Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Menstrual Pain and Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized
Tatiana C L A Silva1, Yvinna T Rodrigues1, Emilė Radytė2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
International Journal of Women'S Health
|May 7, 2026
Summary
This study explored home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While not significantly reducing pain compared to sham, tDCS showed potential benefits for mood and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gynecology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are prevalent gynecological conditions impacting daily life.
- Current pharmacological treatments for PD and PMS often present side effects.
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique for pain and mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of home-based, self-administered dual-target tDCS in managing menstrual pain, mood disturbances, functional capacity, and quality of life in women experiencing PD and PMS.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of this non-pharmacological intervention.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving 40 participants diagnosed with PD and PMS.
- Participants received either active or sham tDCS for five consecutive days during a menstrual cycle.
- Outcomes including menstrual pain (VAS), mood symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and one-cycle follow-up.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant group-by-time interaction was observed for menstrual pain reduction (VAS).
- Menstrual pain scores decreased significantly over time in both active and sham tDCS groups.
- Exploratory analyses indicated potential improvements in negative mood and psychological quality of life in the active tDCS group.
- The intervention was generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported; most adverse effects were mild.
Conclusions:
- Home-based, self-administered tDCS presents a potentially safe and beneficial non-pharmacological option for managing menstrual pain and associated emotional symptoms in women with PD and PMS.
- Further large-scale clinical trials with extended follow-up are necessary to validate these preliminary findings and elucidate long-term effects.
