3.5.2 Hypothalamus

3.5.2 Hypothalamus

  • The hypothalamus, a small portion of the brain positioned just above the brain stem, is sometimes called the “master control center” as it integrates endocrine and nervous functions. It receives information from nerves about the the status of the internal conditions around the body and, in response, produces neurohormones which affect the hormonal secretions of the pituitary gland (either releasing or inhibiting their production).
  • The hypothalamus is arguably the most essential of the endocrine system. By alerting the pituitary gland to release certain hormones to the rest of the endocrine system, the hypothalamus ensures that the internal processes of the body are balanced and working as they should.
  • Any dysfunction of the hypothalamuscan lead to abnormal hormoneproduction from other glands which,in turn, can cause many hair or scalpproblems. See each endocrine glandsection to find out the potentialproblems a trichologist often sees.
   Primary hormones secreted by the hypothalamus include: ･ Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone increases water absorption into the blood by the kidneys. ･ Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH): CRH sends a message to the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal glands. ･ Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes. ･ Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) or growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) (also known as somatostain): GHRH prompts the anterior pituitary to release growth hormone (GH); GHIH has the opposite effect. ･ Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as orgasm, the ability to trust, body temperature, sleep cycles, and the release of breast milk. ･ Prolactin-releasing hormone (PRH) or prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH) (also known as dopamine): PRH prompts the anterior pituitary to stimulate breast milk production. Conversely, PIH stops milk production. ･ Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH): TRH triggers the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).