Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Perimenopause
Texas Christian University
Summary
Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) will be administered to women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and perimenopause. The investigators will examine whether tAN improves symptomology by collecting self-report data before the intervention, during the intervention, and following the intervention.
Description
The PMS/PMDD study will last four menstrual cycles, for an average of four months in length. The first cycle will be baseline (pre-treatment), the next two cycles will be intervention (treatment), and one final cycle will be follow-up (post-treatment). The perimenopause study will last three months. The first month will be baseline (pre-treatment), the next month will be intervention (treatment), and the final month will be follow-up (post-treatment).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
PMS/PMDD Study: Inclusion Criteria: * Assigned female at birth * Age 18 to 45 * Naturally cycling * Regularly occurring menstrual cycle * Must identify as having PMS or PMDD * Reliable ability to complete online study surveys Exclusion Criteria: * Using hormonal birth control * Pregnant or lactating/breastfeeding * History of seizures * Implanted devices * Current or previous diagnosis of any heart conditions * Abnormal ear anatomy * Non-removable piercings on the ear * Recent ear infection * Taking SSRIs * Taking steroids * Taking hormone therapy * If the participant anticipates starting…
Interventions
- Devicetranscutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN)
Device: Sparrow Link. The Sparrow Link will be using the components of the Sparrow Ascent device: (FDA-cleared K230796) a wearable, battery-operated, neurostimulation system designed to transcutaneously stimulate nerves on and/or around the auricle. This device will stimulate the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) and the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN)
Location
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, Texas