A Functional, Science-Backed Therapy for Autoimmune Conditions & Chronic Inflammation
At The Hormone Upgrade in La Jolla, we offer Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as part of our root-cause, functional medicine approach to autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation. Originally developed to treat opioid addiction at high doses, naltrexone at much lower doses has shown remarkable benefits in reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system, and improving quality of life in patients with autoimmunity, chronic pain, and fatigue-related conditions.
LDN is non-addictive, well-tolerated, and works with your body to help it regulate immune function—without suppressing it.
What Is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)?
LDN is a compounded, low-dose version (typically 0.5–4.5 mg) of the medication naltrexone. Instead of blocking opioids or dopamine like it does at high doses, LDN works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors in a way that triggers a natural rebound effect—increasing your body’s production of endorphins and improving immune regulation.
This mechanism helps reduce chronic inflammation and restore balance in the immune system, which is often dysregulated in autoimmune conditions.
Conditions LDN May Support
LDN is being increasingly used in functional and integrative medicine for conditions such as:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Psoriasis and eczema
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
Lyme disease and chronic infections
Migraines and nerve pain
Endometriosis and PCOS
If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition—or are experiencing chronic pain and fatigue without clear answers—LDN may offer a safe, supportive option to reduce symptoms and inflammation.
How We Use LDN at The Hormone Upgrade
Our approach to LDN therapy in La Jolla includes:
- Comprehensive symptom and medical history review
- Functional lab testing to assess immune markers, inflammation, and hormone balance
- Customized dosing starting with microdoses and titrating up based on response
- Combination protocols with nutrition, lifestyle, and other therapies to support gut health, hormone balance, and overall healing
- Regular follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed
LDN is often used as part of a broader strategy to help calm immune overactivity, reduce brain fog, ease joint/muscle pain, and improve daily function—without the side effects of steroids or immunosuppressants.
Why Choose The Hormone Upgrade in La Jolla?
At The Hormone Upgrade, we specialize in treating complex, chronic conditions using a functional medicine framework. We take time to understand your full story, run advanced diagnostics, and guide you through treatment options that are safe, effective, and sustainable.
Why patients with autoimmune conditions in La Jolla choose us:
- Experienced in prescribing and managing LDN therapy
- Integrated approach that supports gut, hormone, and immune health
- Compassionate, personalized care tailored to your needs
- Education-first philosophy so you understand your body and options
Safe, non-opioid, non-suppressive alternative for managing inflammation
Frequently Asked Questions
LDN helps by modulating the immune system—not suppressing it. It encourages balance by increasing natural endorphin production and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Yes. LDN is well-tolerated in most people and considered safe for long-term use. It is non-habit forming and has minimal side effects when dosed and monitored correctly.
Many patients in La Jolla begin noticing symptom improvement within 4–8 weeks, but full effects may take 2–3 months depending on the condition and dosage.
In most cases, yes. LDN is often used as part of a comprehensive care plan and doesn’t typically interfere with other medications—but we’ll review your full medical history to ensure safety.
Yes. LDN must be prescribed and compounded at a specialty pharmacy. At The Hormone Upgrade, we guide you through the entire process—from prescription to proper dosing.
It varies. Some compounding pharmacies may offer affordable cash pricing. We’ll help you explore cost-effective options if your insurance doesn’t cover it.