Low dose naltrexone (LDN) has been used off label for the treatment of infertility and recurrent miscarriage by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, founder of the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, at Creighton University in Omaha Nebraska since the early1990s. Used as part of a treatment protocol known as NaPro Technology, LDN has been used as a treatment for infertility since 2004. The goal of NaPro Technology is to increase endorphin levels near the time of ovulation.
Patients who benefit from LDN treatment include:
- Patients with premenstrual symptoms lasting for 4 or more days each cycle
- Patients with endometriosis or polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS)
- Patients with persistent brown menstrual bleeding
- Patients with persistent fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Patients with low mood or excessive anxiety
- Patients with a personal or family history of autoimmune disease, including autoimmune infertility.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Side effects of LDN include sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, nausea, headache and dry mouth. LDN should not be used in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs including steroids, methotrexate, and interferon.
Naltrexone should also not be used in patients using opiate-based pain medications because naltrexone inhibits their effects. In addition, LDN should not be used in patients with liver or kidney disease because naltrexone has the potential to damage these organs when used at high doses. Because of the low doses of naltrexone used in LDN therapy, side effects are considered rare.
Endorphin Stimulation
Endorphins are compounds that act as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, affecting the body on a physiological level, which, in turn, affects the body on a behavioral level. Because of their resemblance to opiates, endorphins have analgesic and sedative effects. As neurotransmitters, endorphins are needed for the normal processes of motor coordination, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, the control of seizures and the hormonal regulation of the reproductive system. As neuromodulators, endorphins trigger excitatory pathways such as those that produce acetylcholine and serotonin. Endorphins also have diuretic functions because of their regulatory effects on salt and water balance and they influence the stress response and temperature control. Ultimately, endorphins influence sexual behavior, eating, drinking, grooming, locomotor functions, and memory.
Because LDN is known to increase the body’s levels of endogenous (produced naturally) endorphins, this therapy is particularly effective in treating disorders known as Endorphin-Deficiency states, including infertility. LDN is suspected of improving fertility both by stimulating endorphin production and by its beneficial effects on immune function.
In Ireland, Dr. Phil Boyle has been using LDN as a treatment for infertility. He published his findings at the 2006 LDN Conference. In Europe, LDN is being used as an infertility treatment at numerous infertility clinics.
Resources:
Fertility Care News, Jan 2007.fertilitycare.net/FertilityCareNews.html
Treatment of Endorphin Deficiency, Fertility Care, Low Dose Naltrexone
Dr. Phil Boyle on LDN for Infertility www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/_conf2006/P_Boyle.pdf
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