New Wearable Technology Shows Clinically Meaningful Reductions in Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Published study from Spark Biomedical shows non-invasive, drug-free neurostimulation reduces menstrual blood loss and related symptoms
Dallas, TX, April 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spark Biomedical, Inc., a leader in wearable neurostimulation, today announced results from a pilot clinical trial evaluating Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation ® (tAN ®) for the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), a condition affecting more than 10 million women in the United States.
The open label study recently published in Bioelectronic Medicine, evaluated women with heavy menstrual bleeding over three menstrual cycles—one baseline cycle followed by two consecutive treatment cycles using tAN® therapy delivered through a wearable earpiece. Of the women that completed the full protocol, the findings showed clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcomes, including:
- Up to a 48% reduction in menstrual blood loss
- A 68% decrease in overall menstrual symptoms
- A 62% reduction in pain-related symptoms
Participants also experienced fewer days disrupted by symptoms, along with reduced fatigue and 70% less extra 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 delivers gentle electrical stimulation to branches of the vagus and trigeminal nerves through the ear, helping 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 across a wide range of indications.
“We’re beginning to see clear evidence that the nervous system plays a critical role in menstrual health—and that we can safely influence it," said Navid Khodaparast, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Spark Biomedical. “This study is an important step toward redefining how we treat heavy menstrual bleeding, moving beyond hormones and toward precise, neuromodulation-based therapies.”
The neurostimulation approach evaluated in this study reflects a broader category of non-hormonal, nervous system-based therapies that are beginning to extend beyond clinical research and into consumer applications, including solutions like OhmBody.
"For too long, innovation in menstrual health has been stagnant," said Amy Gaston, President of OhmBody. "This latest research is a major step forward in proving that we don’t have to rely on the status quo. By validating the science of tAN, this study reinforces the very foundation OhmBody is built upon: the belief that neuroscience can provide non-invasive, hormone-free support for women when they need it most."
Heavy menstrual bleeding is frequently normalized despite its impact on daily life, including work productivity, physical functioning, and overall wellbeing. Existing treatment options often rely on hormonal therapies or surgical intervention, leaving a significant gap for women seeking non-hormonal alternatives. The findings in this clinical study represent an early step in evaluating non-hormonal approaches to menstrual wellness.
For more information, visit www.sparkbiomedical.com.
About Spark Biomedical
Spark Biomedical, Inc. is a leading U.S.-based medical device developer, committed to unlocking the potential of bioelectronic medicine and bringing to market novel wearable neurostimulation treatment options in behavioral health, women's health, hemostasis, pediatrics, and chronic pain. Spark leverages its neuroscience and engineering expertise to empower healthcare providers and researchers with innovative, evidence-based tools designed to address complex care situations that exceed the capabilities of existing treatment options. Spark has received funding from federal institutions, such as the NIH and DoD, and continues to partner with private and academic institutions. Spark Biomedical is empowering a better way forward for the future of patient care and medical technology. For more information, visit www.sparkbiomedical.com.
Erika Siemasko Spark Biomedical 9782702777 erika@facteurpr.com
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