Low Dose Naltrexone Beverly Hills
In the world of high-performance health and aesthetics, inflammation is often the invisible barrier. You can perfect your skincare, dial in a healthy diet, and commit to an active lifestyle, yet still feel the drag of systemic resistance—whether that shows up as reactive skin, slow recovery, chronic fatigue, or a mood that doesn’t quite match your metrics.
At Physique26 in Beverly Hills, we view Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as a sophisticated tool for modulating the body’s internal environment. While originally developed for entirely different medical purposes, low dose naltrexone has emerged as a compelling option for patients seeking to lower inflammatory "noise," support the immune system, and quiet the signals that drive chronic pain, autoimmune flares, and skin reactivity.
This isn’t about masking symptoms. It is about using a targeted medication to help the body regulate itself more effectively. By working with the central nervous system to upregulate endogenous endorphins, LDN offers a holistic approach to wellness that aligns with the physiology of high-output individuals.
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) refers to the use of naltrexone at roughly one-tenth (or less) of the standard dose. While the full-strength version was FDA-approved decades ago for opioid addiction and alcohol dependence, the low-dose protocol—typically 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg—behaves completely differently.
At this microdose, the medication acts as a gentle modulator rather than a heavy blocker. It creates a brief, temporary blockade of opioid receptors, which triggers a rebound effect: the body responds by producing more of its own endorphins and enkephalins. These natural peptides are powerful regulators. They don’t just influence pain relief; they play a critical role in immune function, cell growth, and inflammatory signaling.
For patients in Los Angeles and West Hollywood dealing with chronic conditions or simply trying to optimize recovery, this mechanism offers a unique advantage. It supports overall health without the sedation, dependency, or "medicated" feeling often associated with traditional methods of treating pain or inflammation.
Why is a practice known for body composition and aesthetics focusing on an immunomodulator? Because inflammation is the enemy of aesthetic results.
When the body is in a chronically reactive state, resources are diverted to fighting perceived threats rather than repairing tissue. This state can manifest as:
By incorporating a customized treatment plan with LDN, we aim to lower that systemic inflammatory load. When the immune system stops fighting unnecessary battles, the body can focus on what you actually want it to do: healing surgical incisions, building collagen, recovering from workouts, and maintaining metabolic stability.
While Physique26 focuses on optimization, many of our patients come to us managing underlying issues that limit their quality of life. Clinical studies and patient reports suggest potential benefits for a wide range of issues.
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis share a common thread: an immune system that has lost its ability to distinguish self from non-self. By boosting endorphin levels, LDN works to modulate the immune response, potentially reducing the auto-antibodies that drive these attacks. Patients often report a reduction in flare-ups and an improvement in overall well-being.
Chronic pain conditions, particularly fibromyalgia, are often driven by central sensitization—a state where the nervous system turns up the volume on pain signals. Because LDN influences glial cells in the central nervous system (the cells that manage neuroinflammation), it can help turn that volume down. For patients suffering from widespread pain, muscle weakness, or joint stiffness, this can mean a return to function without relying on heavy painkillers.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is notoriously difficult to treat because it involves complex metabolic and immune dysfunction. By supporting the body's endorphin production and regulating immune signaling, LDN can help lift the "brain fog" and physical exhaustion that define this condition. It is not a stimulant; it is a regulator that helps restore a baseline of energy.
The skin is an immune organ. Conditions like lichen planopilaris, psoriasis, and chronic pruritus (itching) are often external signs of internal dysregulation. By treating the systemic inflammation, we often see a significant reduction in skin reactivity. For patients recovering from surgery, LDN may also support wound healing and scar quality by modulating the tissue repair process.
Understanding the mechanism helps clarify why such a low dose naltrexone can have such broad effects.
When you take low dose naltrexone (usually at bedtime), it binds to opioid receptors for a short window—about four to six hours. This blockade is temporary. The body perceives this blockage and responds by:
When the medication wears off by morning, you are left with higher levels of natural endorphins and more sensitive receptors. This "endorphin wash" promotes pain relief and a sense of well-being.
Beyond endorphins, LDN has a direct effect on microglia—the immune cells of the central nervous system. When activated chronically, microglia pump out inflammatory chemicals that cause pain, fatigue, and "sickness behavior." LDN puts these cells back into a resting state, effectively cutting the power cord to neuroinflammation. This is why it is so relevant for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and central sensitivity syndromes.
We need to be clear: LDN is not a primary weight loss drug in the same way that GLP-1 medications are. However, inflammation is a metabolic disruptor. High levels of inflammation can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic stalling. There is a combination medication (Contrave) that pairs naltrexone with bupropion to target cravings and appetite. While we sometimes utilize that pathway, LDN alone is used primarily to support metabolic health by reducing the inflammatory burden. For patients with autoimmune diseases or thyroid issues, calming the immune system can sometimes remove the brakes on metabolic progress, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet.
Systemic inflammation often wreaks havoc on digestive health. Patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or even IBS often find that digestive problems settle down when inflammation is controlled. While LDN doesn’t fix acid reflux or structural issues directly, modulating the immune response in the gut lining can offer relief for those with inflammatory bowel issues.
Customized Treatment Plan
In Beverly Hills, medicine is personal. We do not hand out a standard script and send you on your way. Your protocol is built around your specific physiology.
We review your medical history, current medication list, and goals. We check for contraindications—specifically the use of opioid medications. Because LDN works by blocking opioid receptors, you cannot take it if you are currently using opioid-based pain relievers (like hydrocodone or tramadol). Doing so would trigger acute withdrawal.
We typically start low—often 1.5 mg or even 0.5 mg, depending on sensitivity. We instruct you to increase the dosage slowly over several weeks. The goal is to find the "therapeutic window" where you get maximum benefit with zero negative effects. Most patients settle between 3 mg and 4.5 mg nightly.
We track your progress. Are you sleeping better? Is the pain manageable? Has the fatigue lifted? We also monitor for potential side effects like vivid dreams or mild headaches. These usually fade quickly or can be managed by switching the dose to the morning.
LDN must be compounded by a specialized pharmacy. We ensure your prescription is free of unnecessary fillers, allergens, or dyes (dye-free capsules are a standard request). This ensures that patients with high sensitivities don’t react to the capsule itself.
One of the reasons LDN is gaining popularity among doctors and patients alike is its safety profile. Because the dosage is so low, the risk of serious adverse events is minimal compared to steroids or biologics often used for autoimmune conditions.
Separating Past from Present It is important to distinguish low dose naltrexone from its history. Naltrexone was originally approved in 1984 for blocking opioid receptors completely to treat opioid addiction. Later, it was used for alcohol dependence to reduce cravings. In those contexts, the standard dose is 50 mg or higher. That dosage creates a continuous blockade—meaning no endorphins get through. That is not what we are doing here. At Physique26, we are using a fraction of that amount (approx. 4 mg) to create a pulsatile effect. This distinction is vital. We are not treating addiction; we are treating dysregulation.
Navigating chronic pain conditions, inflammation, or aesthetic recovery requires more than just a prescription pad. It requires a doctor and a team who understand the interplay between mental health, physical performance, and metabolic data.
Our approach is different:
Whether you are trying to heal from surgery, manage fibromyalgia, or simply lower the inflammatory noise of modern life, our team in Beverly Hills is ready to build a plan that works.
Contact Physique26 in Beverly Hills to schedule your consultation. Let’s determine if Low Dose Naltrexone is the missing link in your treatment options for a calmer, more resilient body.
LDN is not an overnight fix. While some patients feel a shift in energy or sleep within days, treating chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases takes time. We typically look for a significant reduction in symptoms around the 8 to 12-week mark. Consistency is essential.
LDN is compatible with most drugs, including those for high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and antibiotics. The major exception is opioid pain medication. You must be fully detoxed from opioids before starting LDN. We also coordinate with your rheumatologist or specialist if you are on immunosuppressants.
Many patients report improvements in mental health, likely due to the increase in natural endorphins (which enhance mood) and the reduction of neuroinflammation. While it is not an antidepressant, the sense of well-being it provides can be a powerful adjunct to mental health support.
Because LDN is a compounded medication, it is generally not covered by standard insurance plans. It is a self-pay treatment. However, the cost is typically accessible, and we can provide documentation for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
LDN may support weight management by reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, particularly in patients with hormonal or autoimmune conditions. However, it is not a "diet pill." For targeted weight loss, we look at GLP-1 agonists or other metabolic protocols.
At the low dosage used for inflammation (4.5 mg), LDN does not cause the same acute reaction to alcohol as the 50 mg dose used for alcohol dependence. However, alcohol is inflammatory. For best results, we recommend limiting intake to support your overall health and recovery.
Yes. There are patients who have used LDN for years to maintain remission from chronic conditions. Because it stimulates the body’s own mechanisms rather than suppressing them, it is considered safe for extended periods.
Absolutely. Men's health is a key part of our practice. LDN is effective for men dealing with chronic pain, joint inflammation, or recovery from high-intensity training.
