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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.