Naltrexone for Women: Symptom Relief Guide & Your Critical Next Steps

Naltrexone is a medication that has been used for decades to treat opioid and alcohol dependence. In recent years, it has also gained attention—especially at lower doses—for its potential role in managing certain chronic conditions that affect women.

If you're wondering whether naltrexone could help you, this guide explains what it does, how it may benefit women, possible side effects, and what steps to take next.

---

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescription medication that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. In standard doses (50 mg or higher), it's approved by the FDA to:

• Treat opioid use disorder
• Reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse

At much lower doses (commonly called low-dose naltrexone or LDN, typically 1–4.5 mg), doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation, or immune dysfunction.

"Off-label" means the medication is FDA-approved for one purpose but prescribed for another based on emerging research and clinical experience.

---

How Naltrexone Works in Women's Health

Naltrexone works differently depending on the dose.

Standard-Dose Naltrexone

• Blocks opioid receptors
• Reduces the "reward" feeling from alcohol or opioids
• Helps prevent relapse in substance use disorders

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

At low doses, naltrexone appears to:

• Temporarily block opioid receptors
• Trigger the body to increase natural endorphins
• Modulate the immune system
• Reduce inflammation in certain conditions

This immune-modulating effect is why some healthcare providers consider LDN for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions more common in women.

---

Conditions in Women Where Naltrexone May Be Considered

While research is ongoing, naltrexone—especially low-dose naltrexone—has been explored in several areas relevant to women's health.

1. Chronic Pain Conditions

Some women with chronic pain conditions may benefit from LDN, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome

Small studies suggest LDN may reduce pain sensitivity by calming overactive immune responses in the nervous system.

2. Autoimmune Conditions

Women are more likely than men to develop autoimmune diseases. LDN has been studied (though not yet widely FDA-approved for these uses) in:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Crohn's disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Some patients report improved energy and fewer flares, but larger studies are still needed.

3. Alcohol Use Disorder

Women may respond differently than men to alcohol's effects. Standard-dose naltrexone can:

• Reduce alcohol cravings
• Lower the risk of binge drinking
• Support long-term recovery

This can be especially important during stressful life stages, including perimenopause.

4. Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Symptoms

There is limited but growing discussion around whether low-dose naltrexone may help with:

• Mood fluctuations
• Brain fog
• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic inflammation

These symptoms can overlap with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. If you're experiencing any of these changes and want to understand whether they might be hormone-related, try this free Peri-/Post-Menopausal Symptoms checker to help identify patterns and prepare for a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

---

Potential Benefits of Naltrexone for Women

Depending on the condition being treated, possible benefits may include:

• Reduced alcohol cravings
• Lower relapse rates in substance use disorder
• Decreased chronic pain
• Improved energy
• Better sleep (in some cases)
• Reduced inflammatory symptoms

It's important to remember that results vary. Naltrexone is not a cure-all, and it does not work for everyone.

---

Side Effects of Naltrexone

Like all medications, naltrexone can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Stomach discomfort

With low-dose naltrexone, side effects are often milder but may include:

• Vivid dreams
• Sleep disruption (often temporary)
• Mild headaches

Serious Risks to Know

• Liver toxicity (rare but possible, especially at higher doses)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Precipitated opioid withdrawal (if opioids are still in your system)

If you are currently taking opioid pain medication, you must not start naltrexone without medical supervision. Doing so can trigger sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms.

If you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

---

Who Should Not Take Naltrexone?

Naltrexone may not be appropriate if you:

• Are currently using opioid medications
• Have acute hepatitis or liver failure
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless specifically advised by a doctor)
• Have untreated severe liver disease

Always provide your full medication list to your healthcare provider before starting naltrexone.

---

Important Considerations for Women

Women's bodies process medications differently than men's bodies. Factors that may affect how naltrexone works include:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Body fat composition
• Thyroid function
• Autoimmune conditions
• Liver health

Additionally, symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or joint pain may have multiple causes—including thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, perimenopause, or mental health disorders. Naltrexone addresses specific mechanisms, not all possible causes.

This is why a proper evaluation matters.

---

Critical Next Steps Before Starting Naltrexone

If you're considering naltrexone, take these steps:

1. Clarify Your Symptoms

Write down:

• When symptoms started
• What makes them better or worse
• Any alcohol or opioid use
• Other medications or supplements

If you're noticing symptoms that could be related to hormonal changes—like hot flashes, mood shifts, or sleep problems—use this Peri-/Post-Menopausal Symptoms assessment tool to help organize what you're experiencing and bring clearer information to your doctor's appointment.

2. Request Proper Testing

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend:

• Liver function tests
• Thyroid testing
• Autoimmune markers
• Mental health screening
• Substance use assessment

3. Discuss Risks and Benefits

Ask your provider:

• Is this FDA-approved for my condition?
• What evidence supports its use?
• What are realistic expectations?
• How long before I see results?
• What monitoring will be required?

4. Plan Follow-Up

Naltrexone should not be a "set it and forget it" medication. Regular follow-up ensures:

• Liver safety
• Symptom improvement tracking
• Dose adjustments if needed

---

Realistic Expectations

Naltrexone is not a quick fix. For alcohol use disorder, it works best when combined with:

• Counseling
• Support groups
• Behavioral therapy

For chronic pain or autoimmune conditions, it may take several weeks to notice improvement. Some women feel better within a month; others may need dose adjustments.

If there is no improvement after a reasonable trial period, your doctor may recommend stopping it.

---

The Bottom Line

Naltrexone is a well-established medication with proven benefits for alcohol and opioid use disorders. Low-dose naltrexone is an emerging option that may help some women with chronic pain or inflammatory conditions, though research is still evolving.

It can be helpful—but it's not harmless, and it's not appropriate for everyone.

If you are experiencing:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of liver problems
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

Seek urgent medical care immediately.

For anything that could be serious or life-threatening, speak to a doctor right away.

For non-urgent concerns, schedule a thoughtful discussion with your healthcare provider to determine whether naltrexone fits your specific health profile.

When used appropriately and monitored carefully, naltrexone can be a valuable tool—but the right diagnosis and medical supervision are the foundation of safe, effective treatment.