HYPOTHALAMUS OVER-ACTIVATION
Many years ago, my sister-in-law who has a
Ph.D. in virology, told me that all of my symptoms were coming from the
hypothalamus gland in the brain! This didn't mean anything to me
at the time. Now, all these years later,
FMS/CFIDS research is beginning to focus on the role of the
hypothalamus. (My sister in law is a very smart lady!) The
information below was send to me by a reader. If you find it as
intriguing as I did, check out www.reverse-therapy.com for more
discussion. I quote now from their
site:
What Causes
M.E., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia?
The condition is caused by what we call
‘Hypothalamitis’ – over-activation of the Hypothalamus area in the Central
Nervous System.
The Hypothalamus is situated in the mid-brain, from which
place it controls practically every organ in the body, mainly through the
Endocrine system. In particular, it influences the Sympathetic Nervous System
(ANS) and the Immune System, where most of the symptoms of ‘Hypothalamitis’
arise. In all, the Hypothalamus controls energy levels, the sleep cycle,
muscular function, circulation, temperature, the gut and defense against
infection.
The key function of the Hypothalamus is to coordinate the
actions of the Nervous system, the Muscles, the Gut and the Immune system, along
with the body's energy reserves, so that a balance can be maintained. In this
way we can go to a state of vigilance in challenging situations, returning to
repose when the crisis is over. Or we can fight infections and then return to a
recuperation phase. Similarly, energy levels can rise in order to cope with
required activities, falling again as we prepare for rest and
sleep.
The basic problem in ‘Hypothalamitis’ is that this
delicate balancing act is lost due to Bodymind’s realization that the person is
at sustained risk of harm.
If external pressures go on too long then Bodymind,
working through the Emotional brain, or Limbic system, creates a ‘chemical
memory’ about the threat. Each time situations come up that are associated with
the problem the chemical memory is activated and the Hypothalamus places the
body on ‘action stations’ and send symptoms to warn the person that s/he is
under threat. If pressures continue, the Hypothalamus goes into runaway,
chronically overworking the body to remain on red alert, and sending escalating
symptoms to warn of the problem.
When the Hypothalamus wishes to activate an ‘alert’
reaction it secretes Corticotrophin Release Hormone (CRH) to the Pituitary. The
Pituitary, in turn, releases Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) to the Adrenal
Glands which then produce a series of hormones which initially stimulate the
Sympathetic Nervous system, the Immune system and increase energy levels.
However, under constant over-stimulation from the Hypothalamus hormone
production starts to falter and the result is (a reversible) ‘Adrenal
burnout.’
Sufferers can experience muscle pain/weakness, fatigue,
headaches, swollen glands, poor concentration and memory because the
Hypothalamus triggers the release of chemicals that tense the muscles, shut down
attention, exhaust the energy supply, increase lymphatic fluid and alter blood
flow to different areas of the brain. A dysfunctional Hypothalamus ceases to
respond appropriately to feedback from the body regarding its exhausted state.
Instead it continues to flood the body with hormones that stoke up the symptoms
until problems are resolved.
Failure by the Adrenal glands to produce adequate Cortisol
(which suppresses the Immune system) is then picked up by the Hypothalamus,
which assumes that the organism is in still more danger, causing it to overwork
still more, until Immune system and Sympathetic Nervous system up-regulation
becomes chronic.
While this over-activation continues Bodymind is
constantly signaling, through the symptoms, that action is still required in
order to restore a balanced exchange between the internal and external
environment. ‘Hypothalamitis’. To this extent it still awaits action on ‘the
message of the symptom.’ To resolve this issue is the central task of Reverse
Therapy. See http://www.reverse-therapy.com.
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DISCLAIMER: I am not
a medical doctor. I am a fibromyalgia / chronic fatigue syndrome survivor. The
purpose of this website is not to diagnose or cure any disease or malady, but is
presented as food for thought. This information cannot take the place of
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