Effect of Estrogenic Hormone on Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Nine cases in various degrees of thyrotoxicosis in [female][female] were treated with large doses of theelin. Total dosage ranged from 210,000 to 3,410,000 I.U. given over a period of 6 wks.-16 mos. Subsequent observations extended over a period of 17-26 mos. Eight cases were ambulatory. The 9th was a case of thyroid crisis observed in the hospital for 12 days. Except for a slight transient decrease in the BMR in 2 of the moderately severe cases, the treatment did not directly lower the BMR nor change the disease. There was, however, a rapid and lasting response in 2 mild hyperthyroids. One was a [female] of 17 with a small exophthalmic goiter and mild toxic symptoms. The other was a postoperative exophthalmic goiter in a [female] of 45 who had persistent residual symptoms for 6 mos. after operation. Both had a prompt and complete remission during treatment with no relapse during 17 and 25 mos., respectively, of subsequent observation. Large doses of estrogenic hormone seem to have some inhibitory effect on the thyroid but not enough to be ap- parent in cases of severe and moderately severe toxicity.