LDN and Hormone, LDN Lyme FB 4/4/26 1030 Transcript

Here’s the corrected and cleaned version with the name edited to Dr. Yoon Hang Kim:

Hi, this is Dr. Yoon Hang Kim. I’m an expert in integrative and functional medicine, and I’m trying to figure out the best time to go live on Saturdays.

I’m thinking that 10:30 AM might be better than 8:00 AM. Our earlier sessions didn’t perform as well, and I had stepped away from Facebook for a while. I’m considering returning and testing different times. Some people have suggested going later, but that can be difficult for viewers in Europe. Even 11:00 AM might be pushing it.

For now, I’ll go ahead and try this time and see what happens. If people join, I’ll continue the live; if not, I’ll treat this as part of figuring out what works best.

I’ve noticed that Facebook is still quite powerful, even though many groups have been shut down. We’re fortunate that our group is still active. I’m very grateful to Brian, the LDN Research Trust, and especially Jill, Charlie, and Tori from the LDN support group. They’ve all been incredibly generous with their time and effort.

I’ll stay on for about 15 minutes today and test things out with a surprise appearance format.

If you have questions, please feel free to write them in the comments.

One common question I see is: how long does LDN take to work?

LDN (low-dose naltrexone) really needs to be individualized. It’s not as simple as people often expect, and that can be frustrating. Medicine, especially functional medicine, is rarely one-size-fits-all.

Right now, I see a few people joining. If you have questions about LDN, feel free to ask. I’ll do my best to answer.

Earlier today, I had a teaching session, and one topic that came up frequently was: what tools work well alongside LDN?

One example is methylene blue. I often use it in combination with LDN. They work differently but can complement each other well.

LDN is an immune modulator. It helps reduce inflammation, especially in the nervous and immune systems, and appears to have neuroprotective effects.

Methylene blue, on the other hand, supports mitochondrial function—helping “refresh” cellular energy as we age. At higher doses, it can also affect serotonin levels and has antimicrobial properties.

However, there are important safety considerations. Methylene blue can interact with SSRIs and MAO inhibitors, which can be dangerous. Dosing and route (oral vs. IV) also matter significantly. You should always work with a knowledgeable provider.

Some common questions:

Is it safe to take LDN with thyroid hormone?
Generally, yes.

Is it safe to take LDN with estrogen?
In my experience, yes—especially in patients with chronic fatigue or myalgic encephalomyelitis.

That said, a comprehensive approach is critical. I use what I call the “SHINE” framework:

• Sleep optimization
• Hormones
• Hidden infections
• Nutrition
• Endocrine/autoimmune factors

I discuss this more on my blog (IFM Synergy).

Someone asked about nerve pain:

In my experience, neuropathy is an excellent indication for LDN. I’ve seen very consistent results.

However, the biggest issue is dosing. About 90% of problems come from:

• Incorrect starting doses
• Poor titration
• Underdosing or overdosing

This is where working with an experienced provider makes a big difference. I’ve had many patients reduce or eliminate opioid use after proper LDN treatment.

Regarding my practice:

I limit myself to about 99 active patients so I can provide high-touch care. I’m licensed in specific states (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Texas), and I only practice within those jurisdictions.

I typically accept about two new patients per month, depending on capacity and fit. Not everyone is a good match. For example, if someone just wants prescriptions without collaboration, that doesn’t work well in my model.

My focus is results—helping patients actually get better.

A question came up about opioids and LDN:

This is a nuanced area. Dosing becomes especially critical when opioids are involved. I’ve written about this in an article titled “Treating Chronic Pain with LDN and Ultra-Low Dose Naltrexone.”

Now, regarding Lyme disease:

Lyme is extremely complex and difficult to treat. In many ways, I find it more challenging than cancer.

LDN can be helpful as part of a broader strategy because it modulates the immune system. However, Lyme treatment must address root causes, not just symptoms.

Key points:

• Lyme is often a clinical diagnosis, not just lab-based
• Testing can be expensive and imperfect
• Many cases involve reactivation, not just new infection
• Treatment must be individualized

I often use a multi-pronged approach:

• Antibiotics (often longer duration at lower doses)
• Immune modulation (including LDN)
• Rotating antimicrobial strategies
• Detox support

Protocols like Cowden can be useful because they incorporate rotation and immune support. However, no single protocol works for everyone.

At this point, it looks like most people have dropped off, so I’ll wrap up.

Thank you for joining—this was an impromptu session, but it reinforces my sense that 10:30 AM may be a better time than 8:00 AM.

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, have a great Saturday!