The hypothalamus is the control center for many endocrine activities. The endocrine mechanisms monitored by the hypothalamus are regulated by ADH, gonadotropin releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, oxytoxin, growth hormone-releasing hormone, all of which are discharged by the hypothalamus.
Destruction to the hypothalamus may influence any of these hormones and the associated endocrine systems. Several of these hypothalamic hormones function on the pituitary gland.
Hypothalamic defect thus influences the working of the pituitary and the target organs monitored by the pituitary, including the ovaries and testes, adrenal glands, and the thyroid gland.