Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Menstrual Pain and Premenstrual Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are common gynecological conditions that impair quality of life and productivity. Current treatments are mostly pharmacological and often come with side effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive neuromodulation technique for pain and mood symptoms. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of home-based, self-administered dual-target tDCS on menstrual pain, mood symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in women with PD and PMS. Forty participants were randomized to receive either active or sham tDCS over five days in a menstrual cycle. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-cycle follow-up. Results: No significant group-by-time interaction was found for menstrual pain (VAS) (F(2,64)=1.09, p=0.34). Menstrual pain decreased over time in both groups (F(2,64)=7.93, p