The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system by synthsizing and secreting neurohormones, often called releasing hormones, as needed that control the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland — among them, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

The neurons that secrete GnRH are linked to the limbic system, which is very involved in the control of emotions and sexual activity.

The hypothalamus also controls body temperature, hunger and thirst, and circadian cycles.