Factitious hyperthyroidism

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Thyroid gland

Factitious thyrotoxicosis; thyrotoxicosis factitia; thyrotoxicosis medicamentosa

You must stop taking thyroid hormone. If it is medically necessary, the dose must be reduced.

You should be re-evaluated in 2 - 4 weeks to be sure that the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are gone. This also helps to confirm the diagnosis.

People with Munchausen syndrome will need psychiatric treatment and follow-up.

Factitious hyperthyroidism will clear up on its own when you stop taking or lower the dose of thyroid hormone.

When factitious hyperthyroidism lasts a long time, patients are at risk for the same complications of untreated or improperly treated hyperthyroidism caused by the thyroid gland.

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These complications include:

• Atrial fibrillation
• Chest pain (angina)
• Heart attack
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Loss of bone mass (if severe, osteoporosis)
• Weight loss

Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Review Date: 04/19/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).