The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In most cases of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland itself is producing too much these hormones. However, you can also get hyperthyroidism by taking too much thyroid hormone medication. This is called factitious hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone medication has been available since 1891 and is used to treat hypothyroidism. Factitious hyperthyroidism may occur when thyroid hormone is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism and the prescribed dose is too high. It can also occur when a person intentionally takes too much thyroid hormone. People with psychiatric disorders such as Munchausen syndrome deliberately (and usually secretively) take these hormones. Patients attempting to lose weight and seeking to receive fraudulent insurance compensation also sometimes misuse thyroid hormone. Children may occasionally require treatment for accidental ingestion of thyroid hormone pills. In rare cases, factitious hyperthyroidism has been found to be caused by eating meat contaminated with thyroid gland tissue.
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