Several organic lesions of the hypothalamus may
cause this disorder, including tumors (craniopharyngioma), encephalitis,
Friedreich ataxia, demyelinating diseases, and microcephaly. Originally
described as delayed puberty, hypogonadism, and obesity associated with a
tumor impinging on the hypothalamus. Presence of obesity indicates damage to
the appetite-regulating regions of the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic
dysfunction and hypopituitarism mainly affect the somatotropic hormones and
the gonadotropins.