New wearable technology shows clinically meaningful reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding
Study published from Spark Biomedical shows that non-invasive, drug-free neurostimulation reduces menstrual blood loss and related symptoms
Dallas, Texas, April 16, 2026 (Globe Newswire) — Spark Biomedical, Inc.the leader in wearable neurostimulation, today announced the results of a pilot clinical trial evaluating Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation® (TAN®) to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), a condition affecting more than 10 million women in the United States.
Open label study recently published bioelectronic medicineWomen with heavy menstrual bleeding were evaluated over three menstrual cycles – a baseline cycle followed by two consecutive treatment cycles using TAN® therapy delivered through a wearable earpiece. The findings showed clinically meaningful improvements in several outcomes for women who completed the entire protocol, including:
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Up to 48% reduction in menstrual blood loss
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68% reduction in overall menstrual symptoms
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62% reduction in pain related symptoms
Participants experienced fewer days disrupted by symptoms, as well as less fatigue and a 70% reduction in additional time spent in bed due to menstrual symptoms. Importantly, treatment outcomes improved over time, with greater symptom relief observed across consecutive menstrual cycles, suggesting increased benefit with continued use.
The TAN® technology (Sparrow® link) evaluated in this study provides gentle electrical stimulation to the branches of the vagus and trigeminal nerves through the ear, helping to regulate pathways associated with inflammation, pain perception, and hemostasis. TAN therapy has been used in over 30 clinical trials, demonstrating meaningful treatment efficacy and safety in a variety of indications.
“We are beginning to see clear evidence that the nervous system plays an important role in menstrual health – and we can safely influence it,” said Navid Khodaparast, PhD, co-founder and chief science officer of Spark Biomedical. “This study is an important step toward defining how we treat heavy menstrual bleeding, moving beyond hormones toward precise, neuromodulation-based treatments.”
The neurostimulation approach evaluated in this study reflects a broad range of non-hormonal, nervous system-based treatments that are beginning to expand beyond clinical research and into consumer applications, including solutions obody.
“For too long, innovation in menstrual health has been stagnant,” said Amy Gaston, president of Ombody. “This latest research is a huge step forward in proving that we don’t have to rely on the status quo. By validating the science of TAN, this study strengthens the foundation on which Ombody is built: the belief that neuroscience can provide women with non-invasive, hormone-free help when they need it most.”
