Study, 2002

Does transcranial electrostimulation help treat PMS?

According to this study, yes. Women reported improved mood, disappearing menstrual pain and nausea, normalized cycles, and decreased depression with no side effects.

Early or limited evidence Women with PMS (number not specified)

What they did

Treated women with PMS using transcranial electrostimulation (mild electrical stimulation applied to the brain), based on the theory that PMS results from deficiency in B-endorphin and serotonin.

What they found

Women reported good spirits, disappearing menstrual pains, disappearing nausea and vomiting, menstrual cycle normalization, and decreased depression. No side effects were noted.

What it means for you

This treatment showed good results for PMS without side effects. However, the study has serious limitations: it does not state how many women were treated, it has no control group for comparison, and we do not know if women would have improved without treatment. This is very early research.

About the study

Original title: Attempt of using the transcranial electrostymulation within premenstrual syndrome treatment
Authors: Vitaly N. Kustarov, В. П. Лебедев, S. A. Sedneva
Journal: Journal of obstetrics and women s diseases
Year: 2002
Study design: Study
What was tested: Transcranial electrostimulation
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.17816/jowd90014

Topics

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