I've had Hashi's for about that long, too. I lose weight and feel good on the correct dose. I do not feel you just have to "accept things." If you don't already, see an endocrinologist instead of a GP. If you already see an endo, tell them to adjust your meds. There is a lot of wiggle room with the "normal" range. If yours doesn't listen, find one that will. You can try GF--who knows, might make a difference. Might not. I'd definitely exercise at an intense level and add some strength training. That will definitely help.

Most people have luck going gluten free or paleo. Not all. I felt worse with gluten free.

What I did was switch from levo to Armour. I'm still working on finding the right dose for me. And I LIMIT gluten and dairy. I didn't cut either out completely. I just watch how much. I am starting to feel a lot better with these changes.

Hashi is hard because every single one of us is different. What works for one person won't work for you, won't work for me. It's trial and error and gotta find what works for you!

:bigsmile:

Why do you take your meds "on and off"? 75 mcg is a fairly high dosis, does your doc take you off your meds?

As to your other questions ( I have Hashi's ):
* I am not GF, but I try to limit gluten by choosing gf-grains more often
* I am not dairy - free, but I often choose grain / nut "milks" instead of cow milk
* I seem to be doing better as far as brain fog is concerned if I make at least 1 hour break between my meds and my breakfast

Just because your levels are always normal, you are still experience symptoms, such as bad brain fog, hair easily falls out, tired all the time ----YOUR MEDS ARE NOT WORKING. You are not 'normal'. Please go see someone for a second opinion. Just because the labs say "everything is OK" your body is saying "NOPE, nope we arent!!"

Please seek another opinion, please go to http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ and read, maybe even see one of the doctors on their list.

I was the same way you were. My endo kept saying I was normal, but my hair kept falling out, it was thin, and I would just fall asleep uncontrollably. I went to my doctor and said: "Hey listen, I've been working out more than ever in my entire life - why am I the heaviest I've ever been??"

Her reply: "Weight has nothing to do with it." It was her saying that, that made me look into another doctor. The doctor I have now, he has said straight to my face: If your still having symptoms, then the problem isn't fixed.

I'm not saying its the magical key, to fix everything (Please!! LOL Its been six months since I've started with this new doctor -- I've lost a little weight, but not much why? because I have a serious Eating Problem.) However, I am also starting Paleo (ish) and would love to go along and cheer for you. Some people go 20/80 in eating (using dairy as a condiment not a food group) And honestly if you are just starting, eat as much low/now carb as you can. Dont sweat the small stuff , like Chipotle uses Soy Oil -- its okay! Just as long as you are starting eating in a better direction its a good start - low/no carb IS HARD - you will need to give yourself some detox room. Its an ADDICTING food just like sugar and fat.

Learn the difference between healthy fat and unhealthy fat (ie: Avocados instead of Mayo in that chicken salad. um - YUM!)
Learn that the plate that the Nutritional people have out -- is crap -- Fill half that plate with veggies! Fill more then 2/3 with meat, and the rest with either a healthy fat or some fruit

The thing abou Hypo/Hashi -- you have to find what works for YOU, whether that be in medication or in diet. Because EVERYONE is DIFFERENT! (its what makes us beautiful!)

Good luck and feel free to friend if you want someone else who is going through the same battle with Hashi & Paleo/no Carb eating. Im just starting (again) too!!