Thyrotoxicosis factitia

Thyrotoxicosis factitia
Synonyms	Factitious hyperthyroidism, Exogenous hyperthyroidism
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, heat intolerance, anxiety, diarrhea
Complications	Osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, thyroid storm
Onset	Variable, depending on thyroid hormone ingestion
Duration	Until cessation of thyroid hormone intake
Types	N/A
Causes	Ingestion of thyroid hormone medication without medical indication
Risks	Psychiatric disorders, access to thyroid hormone medications
Diagnosis	Thyroid function tests, low thyroglobulin levels, high thyroid hormone levels
Differential diagnosis	Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroiditis
Prevention	Monitoring of thyroid hormone prescriptions, patient education
Treatment	Discontinuation of thyroid hormone intake, supportive care
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with cessation of thyroid hormone intake
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Thyrotoxicosis factitia is a condition characterized by the excessive intake of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. This condition is often self-induced and can be a result of either intentional or unintentional ingestion of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

Causes

The primary cause of thyrotoxicosis factitia is the ingestion of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This can occur through the misuse of thyroid hormone medication, often in an attempt to lose weight or enhance athletic performance. In some cases, it may also be a result of accidental ingestion, particularly in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis factitia are similar to those of hyperthyroidism and can include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Frequent bowel movements

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis factitia can be challenging, as the symptoms are similar to those of hyperthyroidism. However, certain laboratory tests can help differentiate between the two conditions. These tests may include thyroid function tests, which measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, and a radioactive iodine uptake test, which can help determine the cause of the hyperthyroidism.

Treatment

Treatment for thyrotoxicosis factitia involves discontinuing the intake of the excessive thyroid hormone. In some cases, beta-blockers may be used to help manage symptoms until the excess hormone is cleared from the body. Long-term treatment may involve therapy or counseling to address the underlying issues that led to the misuse of thyroid hormone medication.

See also

• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid function tests
• Radioactive iodine uptake test

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