Alternate Names : Factitious thyrotoxicosis, thyrotoxicosis factitia, thyrotoxicosis medicamentosa
Definition
Factitious hyperthyroidism is higher than normal thyroid hormone levels that occur from taking too much thyroid hormone medication.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In most cases of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland itself produces too much of these hormones.
However, hyperthyroidism can also be caused by taking too much thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism. This is called factitious hyperthyroidism. When this occurs because the prescribed dose of hormone medication is too high, it is called iatrogenic, or “doctor-induced,” hyperthyroidism.
Factitious hyperthyroidism can also occur when a patient intentionally takes too much thyroid hormone, such as in people:
- Who have psychiatric disorders such as Munchausen syndrome
- Who are trying to lose weight
- Who want to get compensation from the insurance company
Children may take thyroid hormone pills accidentally.
In rare cases, factitious hyperthyroidism is caused by eating meat contaminated with thyroid gland tissue.
Pictures & Images
Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism.
-
Factitious hyperthyroidism : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Factitious hyperthyroidism : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Factitious hyperthyroidism : Treatment
Review Date : 4/29/2009
Reviewed By : Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
