Randomised trial, 2026
Does transcranial direct current stimulation reduce menstrual pain and PMS mood symptoms?
The main finding showed no significant difference between active and sham stimulation for menstrual pain. Both groups improved over time. Exploratory analyses suggested mood and quality of life benefits, but this needs confirmation.
What they did
A double-blind trial with 40 women with menstrual pain and PMS. They used a home-based brain stimulation device for five days in one menstrual cycle, either active or sham. Outcomes were measured at baseline, after treatment, and one cycle later.
What they found
Menstrual pain decreased in both groups over time with no significant difference between active and sham. At follow-up, mean pain was 23.44 ± 29.31 in the active group and 39.43 ± 31.10 in the sham group. Exploratory analyses suggested improvements in negative mood and psychological quality of life. No serious adverse events occurred.
What it means for you
The main finding is that active brain stimulation did not outperform sham for menstrual pain, though both improved. The mood improvements are exploratory and need confirmation. The study was small and measured only one cycle, so longer-term effects are unknown.
40
women in the study
5
days of treatment
23.44 vs 39.43
mean pain at follow-up, active vs sham
About the study
- Original title
- Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Menstrual Pain and Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Authors
- Silva TCLA, Rodrigues YT, Radytė E et al.
- Journal
- International journal of women's health
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (active or sham) for five days in one menstrual cycle
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s564992
Topics
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