How to manage hormonal issues and hunger after surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried about my cousin. He had a tumor removed from his brain two years ago, and ever since, he has been having all sorts of hormone issues. He cannot control his hunger, keeps eating non-stop, and hardly sleeps. His doctor mentioned it might be related to the brain surgery, but I do not get how. How does brain surgery affect things like hunger and sleep? Is there a way to help him manage these issues?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The brain plays a critical role in regulating hormones through the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These areas control hormones that affect appetite, sleep, mood, and metabolism. If the hypothalamus was affected during surgery, your cousin might experience issues with hunger regulation, leading to hyperphagia (excessive eating) because the signals that normally tell the body when it is full are impaired. Disruptions in the pituitary gland can lead to imbalances in hormones that regulate metabolism and energy, the hypothalamus plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, so if it is affected, it might lead to insomnia.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.