17-KETOSTEROID AND PITUITARY FOLLICLESTIMULATING HORMONE EXCRETION IN MYXEDEMA, BEFORE AND DURING TREATMENT WITH THYROXINE*

Abstract

The effect was observed on the FSH and 17-KS excretion of myxedematous humans during treatment with thyroxine to the point of toxicity and then after decrease in dosage or cessation of thyroxine. Lowered 17-KS levels rose from subnormal to high normal, but never to supernormal levels. Both the induction of artificial hyperthyroidism and the cessation of thyroxine resulted in a subsequent drop in 17-KS excretion. FSH excretion was within normal limits in males and in premenopausal women, but lower than the expected high levels in menopausal women. Lowered menopausal FSH levels tended to remain stationary or to fall as thyroxine dosage was increased. The lowered FSH of 2 young women and 1 young man rose to normal during thyroxine administration.