Periods Suck: I Tried a Neurostimulation Device to Make It More Bearable

If you're anything like me, when that time of the month comes around, I can't fathom the thought of not having ibuprofen close by. From cramps, headaches, fatigue, to a general blah feeling that comes with moodiness and brain fog — every month can feel like a battle just to make it through.

So when I found out about a new drug-free device called OhmBody that is supposed to help ease period aches, pains, and even mood swings and fatigue (no pills necessary), I was intrigued. "OhmBody leverages this science [neurostimulation] to provide women with a non-invasive, drug- and hormone-free option for restoring balance and relief during their cycle," said Navid Khodaparast, PhD, chief science officer and co-founder at Spark Biomedical, in a press release. So are the device claims too good to be true? Find out what happened when I tried the OhmBody device for two cycles.

Experts Featured In this Article

Navid Khodaparast, PhD, is the chief science officer and co-founder at Spark Biomedical.

Amy Gaston, is the VP of strategic growth at OhmBody.

My Ohmbody Review

Overall, I was seriously impressed by the results I saw from OhmBody. The device helped me ease intense cramps, gave me headache relief, and it helped make my PMS much better and easier to manage. So how does it work? The device is based on the science behind vagus nerve stimulation, which helps your body naturally combat pain and feel better. The device looks almost like an iPod, featuring a handheld device that attaches to an earpiece. You use the device by placing the earpiece, which has adhesive backings, behind and in front of the ear. These two spots are where the device stimulates the vagus and trigeminal nerves via electrical pulses, two nerves that are related to how your body experiences pain.

You can adjust the intensity of the stimulation on the device, which has arrows to control the sensors. "Trigeminal nerve activation can help alleviate cramp pain by releasing endorphins in the brain which are known as your body's natural pain killers. Thus, promoting relaxation and easing discomfort, says Amy Gaston, VP of strategic growth at OhmBody. "The vagus nerve is the only cranial nerve that leaves the head and connects to almost every organ. It is the main parasympathetic pathway between the body and the brain."

The vagus nerve is also connected to the spleen, which Gaston says is an important connection for easing period symptoms, including heavy bleeding. "This connection with the spleen produces chemical signals, via neurotransmitters to platelets," she explains. "This neurochemical message primes the platelets, allowing them to clot faster and more effectively. During menstruation, this mechanism can help reduce menstrual flow significantly."

What I Liked About OhmBody

One of the best things about OhmBody is that it works fast. I wore the device for about an hour at a time (it's recommended to use it 1-2 hours a day when you have your period or PMS) — but I would feel better in about 30 minutes or less into my sessions. The first time I tried it was when I was feeling overall blah and had major PMS a few days before my period. I felt foggy, tired, and my mood was flat. After using the device at night, I noticed my physical symptoms improved and I saw a subtle boost in my overall mood. I used the OhmBody again the following night before bed, and noticed that I felt better when I woke up and slept better.

On day 2 of my period, I woke up with a brutal headache and had to take an ibuprofen just to function. But when the headache would not ease off, I broke out the OhmBody and wore it for 2 hours to try to avoid taking more medicine, and it worked. The device knocked out my headache within the 2 hours that I wore it (it started to get better in about 30 min), and I was relieved to have an option that doesn't involve popping more meds.

During my next cycle, I used the device when I had some intense cramps hit out of nowhere. Once again, in about 30 minutes to an hour of wearing the device, I felt better — no medication, required.

What's Worth Noting

First, the OhmBody is not cheap. The starter kit costs $719, and you have to replace the earpieces every time you use it, which feels a bit wasteful (7 are included in the starter kit, and replacements cost $35 for a 3-pack.)

It also took some trial and error to get the neurostimulation setting to a comfortable place. If you turn it up too high it feels pretty uncomfortable. According to the brand, the goal is to get the stimulation to a level where you can feel a slight tingling sensation, but not where it's uncomfortable. You can adjust the settings directly on the device, but figuring out exactly how and where to place the adhesive pads was also a bit weird at first. Just be sure to follow the instructions exactly as directed. That said, once I got the hang of things, I found the device simple and easy to use.

The Bottom Line

As someone who usually has painful periods and difficult PMS symptoms, I'm all for a drug-free way to find relief. I found that the OhmBody device is a great investment for someone who wants to try an alternative method for dealing with period aches and pains, if you can afford the high sticker price. That said, the brand offers a 60-day money-back offer and you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds to purchase it. So IMO, it's a win-win.

Mercey Livingston is a writer and editor with eight-plus years of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition for media outlets and brands including Well+Good, Shape, and Women's Health. She was the fitness editor at Peloton and held editorial roles at Equinox, Shape, and Well+Good. Mercey is a NASM-certified personal trainer and women's fitness specialist. She's also a certified holistic health coach through the Institute For Integrative Nutrition, with an additional certification in hormone health.