Mar 19 2025 13 mins 2
What if your thyroid suddenly spirals out of control, pushing your body into a crisis you never saw coming?
A thyroid storm is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, with mortality rates as high as 25%. In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky discusses the triggers and explains how to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late. He also mentions the Birch-Wartofsky score, a key tool for diagnosing thyroid storms, and discusses essential treatment and prevention strategies.
Thyroid storms are rare but can be deadly—and are often preventable. If you or someone you know has hyperthyroidism, this episode could be life-saving. Tune in now to learn how to protect yourself.
Episode Timeline:
0:01 - Podcast Introduction
0:34 - Episode Start
0:44 - What Makes a Thyroid Storm Life-Threatening
1:11 - The High Mortality Rate of Thyroid Storms
1:28 - Key Symptoms and Warning Signs to Watch For
3:02 - How Common Are Thyroid Storms
3:29 - The Role of Hormone Surges in Thyroid Storms
3:45 - Why Infections and Trauma Can Trigger a Crisis
4:50 - How Stress and Hormones Create a Dangerous Cycle
5:42 - Understanding the Birch-Wartofsky Score
5:54 - How Doctors Diagnose a Thyroid Storm
6:05 - Symptoms That Contribute to a Diagnosis
6:45 - Quick Break and Available Resources
7:35 - Critical Treatments for Thyroid Storms
7:54 - How Beta Blockers and Medications Help
8:15 - Why PTU Is Preferred for Severe Cases
10:38 - The Best Ways to Prevent a Thyroid Storm
10:49 - How a Strong Immune System Helps Protect You
11:20 - The Danger of Stopping Medication Too Soon
11:53 - Managing Hyperthyroidism to Protect Your Bones and Heart
12:03 - When to Seek Emergency Care and Final Takeaways
13:34 - Podcast Wrap-Up
Mentioned in this Episode:
Articles:
- Thyroid Storm - StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448095/
Free resources for your thyroid health
Get your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.com
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Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?
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Visit Dr. Eric's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/
To work with Dr. Eric, visit https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/