\u201cWhy haven\u2019t I heard of this?!\u201d That was my response when my doctor suggested taking Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and explained its many potential benefits for fertility and hormonal-related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naltrexone, a medication with a fascinating history, was originally prescribed to treat opioid addiction. It\u2019s since been shown to be a promising therapy for a wide range of conditions\u2014including hormonal disorders. Furthermore, some providers trained in restorative reproductive medicine report it to be beneficial at much lower dosages as an adjunct (additional, not standalone) treatment for hormonal imbalances. Here, we delve into LDN\u2019s history, how it works, and its demonstrated benefits for women\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LDN (more on the \u201clow dose\u201d in Low Dose Naltrexone below!) has been utilized as part of an overall treatment plan for a variety of fertility and autoimmune conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The strongest evidence to date appears to be for LDN’s effectiveness in treating multiple sclerosis<\/a>, Crohn’s disease<\/a>, and fibromyalgia <\/a>[2][3][4]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Developed in the 1960s, naltrexone was originally designed to block the effects of opioids. Approved by the FDA in 1984, it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, preventing substances like heroin and morphine from producing their euphoric effects [5]. It became a cornerstone of addiction medicine, offering hope to those battling substance use disorders [6].\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, research expanded beyond<\/em> addiction treatment, revealing naltrexone\u2019s potential to address conditions linked to high endogenous (the body\u2019s own) opioid levels, including hormonal imbalances and immune-related disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naltrexone has been studied as an adjunct treatment for hormonal disorders for several decades. In the early 2000s, a study examined the combination of 50 mg naltrexone with pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to stimulate ovulation and pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 90%<\/em> of women treated with both GnRH plus naltrexone successfully ovulated, compared to 60% of those receiving GnRH alone [7].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, the combination treatment group also exhibited a reduced insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test, lower luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and a larger dominant follicle diameter. These findings suggest that naltrexone enhances ovarian responsiveness to ovulation induction beyond the effects of pulsatile GnRH alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside developments for the use of high dose naltrexone, in the 1980s, HIV researcher Dr. Bernard Bihari observed unexpected immune-boosting effects when his patients took naltrexone in smaller doses. This discovery sparked further research into naltrexone\u2019s ability to modulate the immune system at low doses, and by the early 2000\u2019s \u201clow dose naltrexone\u201d (LDN) was increasingly explored for treating autoimmune conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the LDN Research Trust<\/a> lists over 100 conditions for which LDN shows promise, including heart disease, chronic pain, endocrine diseases, and women\u2019s health conditions. Despite more than 11,000 published research papers on naltrexone, most focus on high-dose<\/em> applications. Because LDN is not<\/em> yet FDA-approved, few large-scale randomized controlled trials have been conducted. However, its growing clinical use suggests significant therapeutic potential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although research on low-dose naltrexone for infertility, PMS, and miscarriage remains limited, Dr. Phil Boyle, founder of NeoFertility<\/a> in Dublin, Ireland, has emerged as a leading expert in this area. Since 2002, he has incorporated LDN into fertility treatments for women with symptoms of clinical endorphin deficiency\u2014often linked to PMS, fatigue, endometriosis, and PCOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Boyle has safely treated over 2,000 pregnancies with LDN until 37 weeks of gestation, and has helped over 4,000 couples achieve successful pregnancies\u2014 some after years of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and even after multiple failed rounds of IVF<\/a>. His extensive clinical experience and research have paved the way for more restorative reproductive medicine doctors to adopt LDN as a tool for improving fertility and preventing miscarriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At low doses (1.5 to 4.5 milligrams, compared to the standard 50 milligrams for addiction treatment), naltrexone exhibits anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LDN\u2019s effects, summarized from the sources cited throughout this article, stem from its ability to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LDN may improve <\/a>insulin sensitivity and reduce chronic inflammation, addressing two root causes of PCOS. It can alleviate symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical experience and anecdotal evidence suggest<\/a> LDN can reduce inflammation<\/a> and pain associated with endometriosis<\/a> (without the side effects of hormonal birth control). Dr. Phil Boyle reports that approximately 80% of his patients experience significant pain relief with nightly LDN use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinicians and patients report<\/a> improvement of autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis through use of LDN. While LDN may not successfully improve autoimmune and thyroid conditions for everyone, it is a treatment option that could provide significant benefits for some. Isabelle Wentz, a pharmacist who specializes in Hashimoto\u2019s, surveyed<\/a> 2,000 individuals suffering from Hashimoto’s. 38% reported that LDN improved their symptoms. Of these 38%, \u201cForty-eight percent were able to reduce their thyroid antibodies, 61 percent saw an improvement in mood, 66 percent had more energy, and 40 percent saw a reduction in pain.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n For women experiencing irregular cycles or hormonal shifts during perimenopause, LDN may help stabilize hormone levels and alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and joint pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study in the 1990s of 25 mg of naltrexone (note that this wouldn\u2019t technically constitute low-dose naltrexone, which is prescribed in dosages from 1.5 to 4.5 mg) given to women experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea demonstrated that 80% of participants saw a return of menses within 90 days [8].\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, average estradiol levels increased significantly in all patients after 3 and 6 months of treatment with naltrexone, suggesting a relationship between the opioid system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This research also highlighted the potential for naltrexone to treat amenorrhea when combined with weight gain (for underweight individuals). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Endorphin deficiency has been linked to PMS symptoms<\/a> like mood dysregulation and breast tenderness [9]. Small studies and anecdotal reports suggest LDN can significantly reduce these symptoms by boosting endorphin levels [10][11]. Theresa Kenney, NP, co-host of the Hormone Genius Podcast<\/a>, has found that her female patients often report feeling more stable, handling stress better, and no longer experiencing emotions that are \u201call over the place\u201d after taking LDN for PMS symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n LDN is considered an \u201coff-label\u201d treatment for the conditions listed above, meaning its use for inflammatory and hormonal conditions is not yet FDA-approved. This lack of approval has limited widespread adoption and research, as it isn\u2019t actively promoted by pharmaceutical companies. As a result, many doctors default to prescribing hormonal contraceptives or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or Motrin for conditions like painful periods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s worth noting that many<\/em> pharmaceutical drugs have \u201coff-label\u201d uses. In other words, lack of FDA approval does not necessarily mean a medication is ineffective in treating a condition or unsafe to take. Of note, the prescription of hormonal birth control for the treatment of acne, PMS, and other cycle-related symptoms are off-label uses of the pill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LDN enhances the body\u2019s natural healing processes but is not a standalone solution. It\u2019s essential to work with a knowledgeable doctor to determine the right dosage and monitor progress. Typical side effects are minimal but can include vivid dreams, nausea, headaches, and disturbed sleep. Importantly, LDN cannot<\/em> be mixed with narcotics and\/or alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LDN should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charting the ovulatory cycle using a fertility awareness method is an excellent first step in identifying, diagnosing, and addressing cycle-related conditions that LDN may effectively treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Low-dose Naltrexone represents an exciting frontier in managing hormonal conditions. By addressing inflammation and modulating the immune system, it offers hope for women facing challenges like PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid disorders. As awareness grows, LDN may have the potential to transform women\u2019s health, empowering women to take control of their well-being. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed in this article, consider speaking to your doctor about LDN. Be prepared to educate and advocate for yourself, as many physicians may not be familiar with its applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to learn more about low-dose Naltrexone, check out the <\/strong>LDN Research Trust<\/a> website, this episode of the Hormone Genius podcast Hormone Genius Podcast: Low Dose Naltrexone<\/a>, these presentations by Dr. Phil Boyle Dr. Phil Boyle: LDN for Women\u2019s Health<\/a> and Dr. Phil Boyle: LDN for PMS & PMDD<\/a>, and this episode of the Gut Check podcast Gut Check Podcast: LDN Unlocked. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHistory of naltrexone: From addiction medicine to seemingly limitless potential<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Naltrexone\u2019s role in hormonal health<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A surprising discovery: immune system benefits at low doses<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Phil Boyle: A pioneer for use of LDN to help couples successfully achieve pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mechanism of action: How does LDN work?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Female hormonal conditions that may benefit from LDN<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Endometriosis<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thyroid disorders<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Menstrual irregularities and perimenopause<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why isn\u2019t LDN more commonly used?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are there concerns about using LDN?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The bottom line on low-dose naltrexone for PMS, endo, PCOS, and more<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References:<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n[1] Ciwun M, Tankiewicz-Kwedlo A, Pawlak D. Low-Dose Naltrexone as an Adjuvant in Combined Anticancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Mar 21;16(6):1240. doi: 10.3390\/cancers16061240. PMID: 38539570; PMCID: PMC10968813.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[2] Cree BA, Kornyeyeva E, Goodin DS. Pilot trial of low-dose naltrexone and quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol. 2010 Aug;68(2):145-50. doi: 10.1002\/ana.22006. PMID: 20695007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[3] Parker CE, Nguyen TM, Segal D, MacDonald JK, Chande N. Low dose naltrexone for induction of remission in Crohn’s disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Apr 1;4(4):CD010410. doi: 10.1002\/14651858.CD010410.pub3. PMID: 29607497; PMCID: PMC6494424.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[4] Nazir MH, Mehboob U, Farhan M, Patel T, Ahmad M, Nazir S, Durrani TA, Khafaja M, Sobhi A, Kuznetsova M, Ahmed M, Awosika A. Efficacy and safety of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2025 Mar 28;87(5):2928-2935. doi: 10.1097\/MS9.0000000000003203. PMID: 40337423; PMCID: PMC12055162.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[5] Srivastava AB, Gold MS. Naltrexone: A History and Future Directions. Cerebrum. 2018 Sep 1;2018:cer-13-18. PMID: 30746025; PMCID: PMC6353110.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
References, Cont. <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n[6] Singh D, Saadabadi A. Naltrexone. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534811\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n[7] Fulghesu AM, Ciampelli M, Belosi C, Apa R, Guido M, Caruso A, Mancuso S, Lanzone A. Naltrexone effect on pulsatile GnRH therapy for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot prospective study. J Endocrinol Invest. 2001 Jul-Aug;24(7):483-90. doi: 10.1007\/BF03343880. PMID: 11508781.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[8] Genazzani AD, Petraglia F, Gastaldi M, Volpogni C, Gamba O, Genazzani AR. Naltrexone treatment restores menstrual cycles in patients with weight loss-related amenorrhea. Fertil Steril. 1995 Nov;64(5):951-6. doi: 10.1016\/s0015-0282(16)57908-4. PMID: 7589640.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[9] Facchinetti F, Martignoni E, Petraglia F, Sances MG, Nappi G, Genazzani AR. Premenstrual fall of plasma beta-endorphin in patients with premenstrual syndrome. Fertil Steril. 1987 Apr;47(4):570-3. doi: 10.1016\/s0015-0282(16)59104-3. PMID: 2952525.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[10] Straneva PA, Maixner W, Light KC, Pedersen CA, Costello NL, Girdler SS. Menstrual cycle, beta-endorphins, and pain sensitivity in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Health Psychol. 2002 Jul;21(4):358-67. PMID: 12090678.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[11] Chuong CJ, Coulam CB, Bergstralh EJ, O’Fallon WM, Steinmetz GI. Clinical trial of naltrexone in premenstrual syndrome. Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Sep;72(3 Pt 1):332-6. PMID: 3043289.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ce que nous savons et ne savons pas","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":22490,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5364,5366,5372,5374,5181],"tags":[4719,6465,4064,5762],"class_list":{"0":"post-22489","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-endometriosis","8":"category-hormone-imbalance","9":"category-ovarian-cysts-pcos","10":"category-pms-pmdd-depression","11":"category-reproductive-and-menstrual-disorders","12":"tag-endometriosis","13":"tag-low-dose-naltrexone","14":"tag-pcos","15":"tag-pms","16":"cs-entry","17":"cs-video-wrap"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n