Carmo, Isabel do2020-11-062020-11-062000Revista Portuguesa de Psicossomática [Internet]. 2000;2(1):65-73.0874-4696http://hdl.handle.net/10451/44804© Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicossomática.We describe the results of studies which show the role of the hypothalamus in anorexia nervosa (AN). In these patients the hypothalamus-pituitarythyroid axis does not function adequately but the pituitary responds with releasing of TSH when stimulated with TRH. A similar situation occurs at hypothalamus- -pituitary-ovary axis. A great proportion of these patients have increased levels of stress hormones. The abnormalities in leukocytes, lymphocytes, CD2 and CD4 levels are common in AN and bulimia nervosa. We stress the fact that the amenorrhea generally occurs before low of weight and persists long time after the recover of weight. We describe the mechanisms throught which endorphin, CRH-ACTH-cortisol axis and some cerebral monoamines control the function of the hypothalamus- -pituitary-ovary axis. We relate the immune response with the activation of CRH-ACTH-cortisol axis. We describe the hypothalamus as an homeostatic center and as the center of appetite and of neurovegetative image. We suggest that an early hypothalamic abnormality associated with early feeding can be implicated. This abnormality could be major factor in the sensitivity of hypothalamic function which, triggered by several external factors (fashion, family, life events) induce anorexia nervosa.porjournal article2183-9344