Factitious hyperthyroidism

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Thyroid gland

Factitious thyrotoxicosis; thyrotoxicosis factitia; thyrotoxicosis medicamentosa

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

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

Psychiatric consultation and followup is essential for persons with Munchausen syndrome.

Factitious hyperthyroidism will clear up on its own when thyroid hormone is stopped or the prescribed dose is lowered.

When factitious hyperthyroidism lasts a long time, patients are at risk for the same complications that occur with untreated or improperly treated hyperthyroidism caused by the thyroid gland.These complications include:

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

See the article on hyperthyroidism for more information.

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

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.