Treatment
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.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Factitious hyperthyroidism will clear up on its own when you stop taking or lower the dose of thyroid hormone.
Complications
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.
These complications include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Chest pain (angina)
- Heart attack
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Loss of bone mass (if severe, osteoporosis)
- Weight loss
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
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Factitious hyperthyroidism : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Factitious hyperthyroidism : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Factitious hyperthyroidism : Treatment
Review Date : 6/17/2008
Reviewed By : Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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