Disorder of the Hypothalamus

Disorder of the Hypothalamus

There is a tremendous amount of importance associated with the hypothalamus, which extends throughout various physical, emotional, and mental aspects of life. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that creates hormones that are critical to a number of processes of the body including temperature, sex drive, mood, and others. It is also directly related to certain glands that secrete hormones. Therefore, it is very important that it functions properly because it plays a role in a number of vital processes that most people take for granted. Those with this condition have a reduced sense of smell (Houneida et al., 2013, p. 144).

Several different disorders exist that pertain to the hypothalamus. One that is fairly rare is termed Kallman syndrome, and is a genetic disorder that is related to bodily processes that typically develop during puberty for those with a normal functioning hypothalamus. The fact that it is genetic means that its cause is largely due to hereditary factors. This condition is best described as an association of anosmia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Arkoncel et al., 2011, p. 26). The most notable aspect of this disease is that during the fetal stage, it prevents the olfactory nerve and hormones cells that release gonadotropin from migrating within the olfactory placode.

Essentially, the effects on the system and functions of this particular condition are that it prevents puberty from taking place the way that it does within other individuals. Although it is possible for females to get this disorder, it primarily occurs within males. Some of the systems include a small penis (the size of which typically develops during puberty) a high-pitched voice, lack of facial hair, and a death of pubic hair. It is not uncommon for those who suffer from this condition to appear like females with girlish facial features, and a slight body frame. Additionally, it is possible that those who have this condition can also incur psychological issues due to peer pressure and teasing about their unusual looks (Arkoncel et al., 2011, p. 29).