Hyperthyroidism is caused by over production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland in the vast majority of cases. However, thyroid hormone preparations have been available since 1891, and ingesting too much thyroid hormone can cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism caused by exogenous hormone is called factitious hyperthyroidism.

Factitious hyperthyroidism may occur when thyroid hormone is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism and the prescribed dose is too high.

However, purposeful and usually secretive ingestion of thyroid hormone has been discovered among patients with psychiatric illness (usually people with a medical background), patients attempting to lose weight, and individuals attempting to receive insurance compensation.

Children may occasionally require treatment for accidental ingestion of thyroid hormone pills. In rare instances, factitious hyperthyroidism has been found to be caused by ingestion of meat contaminated with thyroid gland tissue.

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