Have you ever heard of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)? If not, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Despite its wide range of clinical benefits and over 90 published studies exploring its use in chronic pain, autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, PCOS, and even cancer, LDN remains a hidden gem. Why? Because there’s no billion-dollar pharmaceutical company willing to fund large-scale trials for a generic drug with an expired patent.
But don’t let that stop you from discovering what many integrative and functional medicine providers already know: LDN just might be one of the most promising, cost-effective treatments for chronic disease and weight management we have today.
Naltrexone was originally developed to treat opioid and alcohol dependence by blocking the euphoric effects of those substances. But in very small doses, typically 0.5mg to 4.5mg, it has been shown to have powerful immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties with minimal side effects. This off-label use is known as Low Dose Naltrexone, or LDN.
Unlike traditional naltrexone dosing (50–100mg/day), LDN works not by fully blocking the opioid system, but by temporarily binding to opioid receptors. This brief blockade encourages the body to upregulate its own natural endorphins and enkephalins, which play a role in pain relief, mood regulation, immune function, inflammation, and even metabolism.
LDN has been used successfully in the treatment of:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Multiple sclerosis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
PCOS and excess weight
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus and other autoimmune conditions
Chronic pain syndromes
Depression
Scleroderma
Complex regional pain syndrome
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
LDN’s mechanisms of action are multifaceted:
Endorphin Boost – Temporarily blocks the MU-opioid receptor, triggering a compensatory rise in endorphins.
Immune Modulation – Endorphins help regulate the immune system, reducing abnormal immune responses.
Anti-Inflammatory Action – LDN suppresses microglial cell activity in the brain and central nervous system, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines.
Hormonal Regulation – Helps balance hormones in conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
According to the LDN Research Trust, LDN’s effects may include:
Increased endorphin production
Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines
Downregulation of NF-kB and oncogenes
Suppressed microglial activation
Modulated TLR (toll-like receptor) signaling
While LDN isn’t a magic weight loss pill, it can address multiple root causes of weight gain and weight loss resistance:
Reduces cravings and appetite
Improves insulin sensitivity
Supports thyroid function
Reduces inflammation
May promote better sleep quality
Supports endorphin release and mood regulation
May increase human growth hormone (GH)
LDN also pairs well with GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Saxenda, Wegovy), particularly for patients with PCOS or leptin resistance. Together, they can address both hunger signaling and hormonal dysregulation at the same time.
Several studies support LDN’s unique benefits:
A study on hyperandrogenic women with PCOS found that naltrexone improved fasting insulin by 40%, which also contributed to lower testosterone levels which is key for PCOS symptom control and weight loss.
Another trial demonstrated that naltrexone lowered insulin while increasing growth hormone secretion in obese individuals, potentially helping them preserve muscle and increase fat-burning capacity.
Clinical reviews on LDN show reduced symptom severity in fibromyalgia, Crohn’s, MS, and complex regional pain syndrome through its novel anti-inflammatory actions.
LDN is generally well tolerated. Side effects are typically mild and transient. These may include:
Headache
Vivid dreams
Nausea
Insomnia (less common if taken in the morning)
Fatigue or dizziness in early treatment
LDN should not be taken by individuals who are:
Currently using opioids, methadone, or Suboxone
In acute opioid or alcohol withdrawal
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Scheduled for surgery requiring opioid pain management
Diagnosed with significant liver disease
Many patients report improved sleep quality on LDN, which can further reduce inflammation, stabilize mood, and support metabolism. LDN is typically taken at bedtime to align with the body’s natural endorphin rhythms, but in cases of sleep disruption, morning dosing may be preferred.
Typical LDN doses range from 1.5mg to 4.5mg per day. Providers often start at a low dose (0.5mg) and slowly titrate up to find the individual’s optimal dose. For some patients, particularly those using LDN for weight or mood support, split dosing (morning and evening) or slightly higher customized dosing may be used.
Important: Never attempt to split or crush a full-strength naltrexone tablet. LDN must be compounded by a specialty pharmacy for accuracy and safety.
LDN has flown under the radar due to its expired patent and low profit potential for pharmaceutical companies. Without corporate sponsorship, large-scale FDA trials are unlikely. But that hasn’t stopped a growing movement of providers and patients from discovering its benefits.
This is medicine for the people not for profit.
At Thrive Wellness, we partner with reputable compounding pharmacies to ensure your LDN dose is tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. We monitor progress closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed, integrating LDN into a broader care strategy that may include:
Functional lab testing
Autoimmune-friendly nutrition
Targeted supplements
GLP-1 agonist therapy
Hormonal balancing
Stress and sleep optimization
LDN is not a quick fix, but for many, it becomes a life-changing component of a long-term healing journey.
If you're dealing with chronic symptoms, weight loss resistance, PCOS, autoimmune disease, or ongoing pain, and you’ve tried everything else, LDN may be worth exploring.
