---
title: Can brain stimulation (rTMS) help reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: A small study found that rTMS reduced depression and anxiety symptoms during the PMS phase. However, the study was very small with no control group, so more r
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-in-the-management-of-premenstrual-2025/
---

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- Can brain stimulation (rTMS) help reduce PMS symptoms?

Study, 2025

# Can brain stimulation (rTMS) help reduce PMS symptoms?

A small study found that rTMS reduced depression and anxiety symptoms during the PMS phase. However, the study was very small with no control group, so more research is needed before we can be confident.

 Early or limited evidence

10 women with PMS

## What they did

10 women with PMS were studied over 2 menstrual cycles. In the second cycle, they received 10 to 12 sessions of rTMS (a non-invasive brain stimulation) during the luteal phase. Symptoms in the second cycle were compared to the first cycle.

## What they found

In the second cycle with rTMS, depression symptoms decreased. Anxiety symptoms also decreased. The treatment was well tolerated with no serious side effects.

## What it means for you

rTMS might help with mood symptoms of PMS, especially in the middle and end of the menstrual cycle. This was a very small study with no comparison group and only 2 months of follow-up. Much larger, better-designed studies are needed before this can be recommended.

10

women in study

10 to 12

rTMS sessions

2

menstrual cycles studied

## About the study

Original title Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Prospective Pilot Study Authors Ramos CS, Monteiro DC, Alves da Silva EC et al. Journal The journal of ECT Year 2025 Study design Study Participants 10 What was tested Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) - 10 to 12 sessions Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/yct.0000000000001216](https://doi.org/10.1097/yct.0000000000001216)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Estradiol, progesterone and hormone therapy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormone-therapy/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2012

How is PMS diagnosed and treated, especially in women approaching menopause?

Systematic review, 2008

What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?

Systematic review, 2007

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

Randomised trial, 2003

What treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Non-randomised trial, 2025

What treatments help PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2003

What role do hormones play in PMS and how should we treat it?

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