Infertility Treatments

The Use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Therapy

Jul 2, 2007 Elaine Moore

Infertility is one of the endorphin deficiency states. LDN increases endorphin levels and helps the immune system heal, factors that increase and enhance fertility.

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

The copyright of the article Infertility Treatments in General Medicine is owned by Elaine Moore. Permission to republish Infertility Treatments in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

life in art

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 3+3?

Comments

Apr 23, 2009 1:47 AM

Liana T :

According to study, Naltrexone reduces that craving to alcohol and illegal drugs. It does not cure addiction but it helps the person who suffers alcohol or drug addiction to maintain abstinence by reducing the desire for alcohol or drugs. Some people would definitely get <a href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/04/15/naltrexone-ad diction-loans/">installment loans</a> to get naltrexone. Naltrexone might be a miracle drug of sorts. It is a medication that is supposed to aid in the treatment of addiction. Naltrexone has already shown efficacy in trials in treating alcoholism and other drug addictions.

1 Comment: