When we talk about game-changing therapies for women’s health, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is one you need to know about. But what exactly is low-dose naltrexone, and how can it support your hormones and immunity and also potentially ease chronic pain management?
In my practice, we seek to use the least invasive and most effective strategies for healing. You’ll find me talking about nutrition, lifestyle, and many other therapies to support you—and for some people low-dose naltrexone is a therapy that really helps.
Below, we'll examine LDN in detail and explain why this medication has many potential uses and benefits in integrative medicine, including in the management of conditions like endometriosis and autoimmune disorders.
In this article:
What Is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a medication traditionally used in higher doses to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. However, in low doses (typically between 0.5 to 4.5 mg), it has a completely different purpose. Taking a “low dose” of naltrexone typically means taking about one-tenth1 (or 10%) of the dose that is usually taken to help treat opioid addiction.
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) works to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support hormone balance.
Unlike its high-dose counterpart, LDN doesn’t block opioid receptors entirely. Instead, it temporarily binds to them, leading to a rebound effect. This boosts the body’s natural production of endorphins, your body’s “feel-good” chemicals that help regulate sensations of pain and immune function.
In other words, LDN helps to curb pain by working with your body's own chemicals, in addition to offering other anti-inflammatory benefits.
How Does Low-Dose Naltrexone Work?
LDN has a unique mechanism that makes it an attractive option for many different chronic conditions, including those that cause ongoing pain. Here's an overview of how LDN works2:
- Boosts endorphins: By temporarily blocking opioid receptors3, LDN stimulates a compensatory increase in the production of endorphins. These natural hormones support pain relief and emotional resilience. Another way to put it: LDN “tricks” the brain into producing more natural opioids which can lift your mood and dull pain. These effects can last for about 4-6 hours.
- Modulates immune responses: LDN helps balance immune system activity4, making it less reactive. This is why it’s often recommended for people with autoimmune conditions, which are triggered by an overreaction of the immune system that results in damage to the body's own tissues and inflammation.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties: LDN reduces inflammatory cytokines in the body, which are small proteins released by immune cells. Cytokines are key causes of inflammation-related conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis (when tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus), and other forms of chronic pain.
Low-Dose Naltrexone Benefits and Uses
LDN has a wide range of uses (including being used “off label”) in women’s health and potential benefits to offer. It's used to treat health conditions such as:
- Pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Autoimmune thyroid disorders
- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue syndrome5
- Persistent symptoms of COVID-196
- Crohn’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis
- PANDAS/PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep)
Here's more about some of the most common low-dose naltrexone uses and conditions that it can help manage:
1. Autoimmune Diseases
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which leads to chronic inflammation and often hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). LDN is commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where it helps balance the immune system and can lead to lower antibody levels over time.
It’s also often helpful for treating pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis7 (MS) due to its immune-modulating effects.
Bonus: Support Your Thyroid Alongside LDN
If you’re using LDN to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other thyroid issues, it’s important to support your thyroid nutritionally. Consider adding my Thyroid Support formula to your routine.
This top-quality formula contains American ginseng, essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that work synergistically to maintain optimal thyroid function, balanced cortisol levels, and healthy insulin regulation. Just two capsules a day can make a significant difference in how you feel.
2. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
For women dealing with the debilitating pain of endometriosis and adenomyosis, LDN’s anti-inflammatory properties and pain-relieving effects can be life-changing. It not only reduces pain but also helps address the immune dysfunction that often triggers and exacerbates these conditions.
3. Chronic Pain Conditions
Whether it’s fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, or complex regional pain syndrome, LDN is frequently used to reduce pain and increase quality of life, such as by helping to decrease fatigue.
Many women find that other medications fail to address the root cause of their pain, while LDN can provide relief by supporting their body’s natural pain regulation.
4. Weight Loss and Metabolism Support
There’s some evidence to suggest that LDN can help with weight regulation in cases of insulin resistance, thyroid imbalance, and other metabolic issues.
While it’s not a weight loss medication, its ability to calm inflammation and balance hormones can make weight loss or management easier and potentially more sustainable.
5. Crohn's Disease
By modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, LDN can be beneficial for managing flare-ups and symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
For Crohn's, it works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors, prompting the body to increase its production of endorphins, which may help repair damaged tissue and improve gut health. Studies suggest that LDN can lead to symptom improvement and longer remission periods in some patients.
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
LDN may help reduce chronic fatigue by calming neuroinflammation and regulating the immune response, both of which are believed to play a role in CFS. By increasing endorphin levels, it may also help improve sleep, mood, and energy, addressing some of the core symptoms of CFS.
LDN's ability to modulate microglial cells, which can become overactive in chronic conditions, may contribute to a reduction in fatigue and brain fog.
7. Skin Conditions (Like Psoriasis, Eczema)
In skin conditions, LDN’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the severity of flare-ups by regulating inflammatory pathways. It can also support healing by boosting the production of endorphins, which may aid in skin regeneration and barrier repair. For autoimmune-driven conditions like psoriasis, LDN may help calm the immune response that triggers excessive skin cell growth.
8. Other Conditions
- Mental health disorders: LDN is being studied for depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to its potential to modulate brain inflammation and endorphin production.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s may benefit from LDN’s neuroprotective effects by calming overactive glial cells.
- Cancer-related fatigue and symptoms: LDN is also being explored for its role in improving quality of life and reducing tumor-related fatigue and inflammation.
Who Is LDN Best For? And Who Should Avoid It?
LDN can be beneficial for:
- Women with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s or lupus.
- Those experiencing chronic pain from fibromyalgia, endometriosis, or adenomyosis.
- Adults with hormonal imbalances that can contribute to weight gain or pain and are looking for an integrative approach.
- Patients with conditions such as MS or interstitial cystitis who are seeking non-addictive pain management.
On the other hand, LDN may not be suitable for:
- Those currently on opioid painkillers, as naltrexone can interfere with their effectiveness.
- People with liver issues, who need to be very cautious as naltrexone is processed through the liver.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before considering LDN.
How to Take Low-Dose Naltrexone
LDN is typically started at a lower dose (around 1 mg) and the dose is gradually increased over time. This is to avoid side effects like sleep disturbance and intense dreams.
- When to take LDN: It’s typically recommended to take LDN at night rather than in the morning. Why take low-dose naltrexone at night? Because that’s when endorphin production is at its lowest, making the rebound effect more effective and providing stronger results.
- With or without food is okay: LDN can generally be taken on an empty stomach, but follow your practitioner’s guidance based on your specific needs. That said, considering it's usually taken at night, it likely won't be taken on a completely empty stomach; however you can take it several hours after a meal to help with absorption.
- Consistency matters: Taking LDN at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s response. Try making it a regular part of your nighttime routine, such as taking it before bed each night,
Potential LDN Side Effects and Interactions
LDN is well-tolerated by most people, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of, especially if you take other medications.
Watch out for these possible low-dose naltrexone side effects8 when beginning to take this medication, and talk to your doctor if they worsen or don't go away:
- Sleep disturbances (such as vivid dreams or difficulty falling asleep)
- Digestive upset, including nausea or cramping
- Headaches in some cases, which usually resolve with time
- Weight loss
What to Avoid When Taking Low-Dose Naltrexone:
- Avoid taking LDN alongside opioid medications, as it can block their pain-relieving effects.
- Don't take it if you're receiving opioid (narcotic) analgesics or are currently addicted to opioids unless working closely with your doctor.
- Discuss any current medications with your provider to ensure there are no conflicts.
- Don't take LDN if you're pregnant or potentially trying to get pregnant (discuss this with your provider).
Key Takeaways for Low-Dose Naltrexone
- LDN is a medication that can help support hormone balance, reduce chronic pain, and often improve autoimmune symptoms.
- By increasing natural endorphin levels, it can help regulate mood, sleep, and pain associated with conditions like endometriosis, lupus, or arthritis.
- Its ability to reduce inflammatory markers also makes it beneficial for many inflammatory conditions.
- Taking it at night, consistently, and following directions can enhance its benefits.
- Work with a knowledgeable provider to ensure you’re using the right dosage and approach.
References
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/low-dose-naltrexone-ldn-3570335/ ↩︎
- https://www.asra.com/news-publications/asra-newsletter/newsletter-item/asra-news/2023/11/06/low-dose-naltrexone-is-it-really-worth-the-hype ↩︎
- https://ldnresearchtrust.org/what-is-low-dose-naltrexone-ldn ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3962576/ ↩︎
- https://casereports.bmj.com/content/13/1/e232502 ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10862402/ ↩︎
- https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/living-well/low-dose-naltrexone-usage-in-ms ↩︎
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/afp-community-blog/entry/low-dose-naltrexone-a-future-gold-medalist.html ↩︎
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