A new peer-reviewed study has found that gentle electrical stimulation of vagus and trigeminal nerve branches in/around the ear may be associated with significant reductions in heavy menstrual bleeding.
The study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, evaluated transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN), a non-invasive therapy developed by OhmBody, a division of Texas-based Spark Biomedical. Researchers revealed that activating specific nerve pathways linked to blood-clotting regulation and menstrual blood loss.
“The concept of stimulating the nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, has been studied for more than two decades,” said Dr. Navid Khodaparast, Chief Science Officer at Spark Biomedical. “By leveraging safe, wearable neurotechnology, we’re empowering women to improve their overall menstrual health, all through a noninvasive bioelectronic approach.”
The pilot trial followed 16 women, including eight diagnosed with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and eight with heavy menstrual bleeding of unknown cause (HMBu). Participants used OhmBody’s ear-mounted neurostimulation device during their menstrual cycles.
“These signals are important to support balance across the central nervous system, which can impact cramping, mood, bloating, and even blood flow,” Khodaparast explained.
Results showed a 57% reduction in blood-loss scores among participants with VWD and HMB, a 54% reduction among those with idiopathic HMB, and 19% decrease in average period duration.
Unlike traditional TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) devices that stimulate peripheral nerves on the back or limbs, OhmBody’s technology specifically targets cranial nerves through the ear using low-frequency stimulation (30 Hz and 100 Hz, per the study). This form of neuromodulation activates the vagus and trigeminal nerves, which communicate with the brain to regulate vascular tone, pain, mood, and even inflammation.
“We believe that neurostimulation represents a paradigm shift in how we think about the menstrual cycle, not merely as a hormonal process but as a deeply neurophysiological system,” Khodaparast said.
The findings come after Spark Biomedical closed a $15 million Series A funding round earlier this year, led by WAVE Ventures and supported by Pathway to Cures, to accelerate clinical development and expand its neurotechnology platform across women’s health. The wearable wellness device is listed for $559 and is HSA/FSA eligible.
“After decades of being underrepresented in clinical research and innovation, there’s now a powerful surge of interest, investment, and creativity focused on improving women’s well-being,” Khodaparast said. “We’re entering an incredibly exciting time for women’s health.”
