I've been on Synthroid for almost 2 years. Take it on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after eating or drinking anything but water) with a full glass of water. Wait one hour before eating or drinking anything but water, and wait at least 3 more hours before taking any supplements (vitamins, minerals, or fiber).

If you're not losing weight, you're not eating at a deficit. You're underestimating your food &/or overestimating your burns. Get a digital food scale and weigh everything you eat. Use measuring cups & spoons for any liquid that has calories—including whatever white stuff you put in your coffee or tea.

I gained a lot of weight before I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Once I started logging everything I eat & drink accurately & honestly, I found out why. I was eating too much. I am hungry all the time, even though I take both Synthroid (T4) & Cytomel (T3). I find that using MFP's protein & fiber goals as minimums and ignoring carbs & fats helps me feel full longer. It will take trial & error to find what works for you.

I have had experiences similar to yours. I gained weight while tracking every calorie, working out hard 8-12 hours a week, running marathons, etc.

I have been on Synthroid for just over a month and it does seem to be helping with my symptoms as well as the weight gain. I also take Thytrophin PMG as my doctor says that it addresses the autoimmune aspect of Hashimoto.

I have finally been able to start losing weight. I do have to count calories and exercise a lot but I have been able to lose 3.6 pounds in about 2 weeks time. I wasn't able to lose until after about three weeks on Synthroid. I try for a net of less than 1200 calories a day. I do eat/drink back most of my exercise calories and I usually have a day each week that I don't worry too much about calories.

I hope I can continue to lose and I hope that you can too. :-)

I take my dose of Synthroid before bedtime since there are so many things you have to wait on after taking it. I know by the time I wake up in the morning I can eat when I want, take my vitamins/supplements when I want and not have to worry about waiting x-amount of time since I took my last Synthroid dose.

I'm so pleased for you. It seems finding the right level can take time. Hope you get there soon.

I was on synthroid and it wasn't enough.

Armour works extremely well for me. I feel human again.

Maybe ask about it, if in time, you feel synthroid isn't working for you?

I have to admit I did do 1200 for about 6 months but I had over 80 lbs to loose and I did it mostly so I would get out of the habit of eating. I knoshed all the time mindlessly while working or reading.


I switched to 1450 so I could get all the nutrition and protein in. I have been doing 1450 for about a year now and loose about .5 lb per week when I don't exercise...but usually I do so it is more like 1 lb per week which is a little fast but helps me get through the usual nasty fluctuations which come with weight loss.

If your levels are correct and you are getting proper nutrition ( iron critical for thryroid uptake ) then you should have no problems once you figure out your TDEE and eat at a calorie deficit. If your levels are not correct...then you need to get back to the doctors.

Ditto on the medication without food. Weight loss is not fast, it's slow and takes mental toughness go get through each hurdle whether you are hypothyroid or not. There are so many links people commonly refer to....guide to sexy pants....is one you can search for on the forum. It has a lot of good information. Yes being hypothyroid prior to being treated stacks it on...but as they say after pregnancy...it's all you and up to you to dig deep, dive in...and start a journey that will change your life. It will not be easy. There are no quick fixes.

I will say one problem I recently ran into was the old C ( constipation issue which is common amongst hypothryroid but others have it too...my girlfriend. ) I found if I kept my fiber intake at 30 g daily..no issues. My water intake is usually been 10-12 glasses daily. What a relief..literally. This has made all the difference in the world as I get closer to goal weight. I am in year 3 and expect to take another year....Why so long. Needless to say I had my mental moments and schedule moments that I really gave up. My reaction to the natural fluctuations tended to deter my discipline. I got the withings scale and that has helped ( except that I found my scale was off by 4 pounds in the wrong direction!! No matter.

Looks like you have 55 to go? Totally doable. Establish monthly goals. Set them a little low so that you are aren't disappointed and dettered. I set mine at 2 lbs per month for now...I may be dropping that and establishing more fitness goals.

Welcome to the world of hypothryroid. You may have it but it does not have you. Don't let it be your excuse. Exercise is not optional. Regular visits for level checking is not optional. Water, water, water, fiber, protein...move your bum..