96 ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



If these medications do not give any results, then thyroi- 

 dectomy is indicated. Radiotherapy is without any effect 

 in these cases. 



3. The syndromes of Basedow's disease occurring at 

 puberty, the menopause or during pregnancy, should be 

 treated with ovarian organo therapy. 



THYROID INSTABILITY. 



Thyroid instability (Leyi) is characterized by a disequi- 

 librium of the functions of the thyroid. It results in the 

 association, in various proportions, of signs of hypo and 

 hyperthyroidism. 



During the course of thyroid insufficiency, no matter 

 what its degree may be, disturbances may be observed 

 which are due to hyperfunction of the gland. Inversely, 

 but not as frequently, in hyperthyroidism are seen 

 symptoms associated to hypothyroidism. Some patients, 

 for instance, show signs of hypothyroidism: constipa- 

 tion, alopecia, low body temperature and of hyperthy- 

 roidism: palpitations, insomnia, febril attacks, making 

 one suspicious of a possible tuberculosis. 



Thyroid instability has not only a theoretical interest 

 but is very important practically and upon it must depend 

 the treatment employed. Thyroid medication will not 

 only improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but also 

 those of hyperthyroidism; for these can be considered 

 more or less as a reaction. There is, therefore, a thyroid 

 disequilibrium. 



Before administering thyroid to a patient with mani- 

 festation of chronic arthritis of thyroid origin, for instance, 

 it is necessary to study the function of the gland. L. Levi 

 advises to write on either side of a line the signs of hypo 

 or hyperthyroidism found in each patient and to study 

 also the reactions of the patient to menstruation, and 



