A home device to treat menstrual pain
Official title: SoleStim Neuromodulation System, a home-use device for the treatment of dysmenorrhea
Funded at Theranova, LLC · NIH-10916979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a handy device called the SoleStim that helps relieve menstrual cramps for people who find that regular pain medications don’t work well for them, so they can feel better and manage their symptoms at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Theranova, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $343,510 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HD115425-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing severe menstrual pain that has not responded to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience dysmenorrhea or have other underlying pelvic pathologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the SoleStim Neuromodulation System, a portable device designed for home use to alleviate the pain associated with dysmenorrhea, which is menstrual cramping without identifiable pelvic pathology. The device utilizes acupuncture-based nerve stimulation to target specific peripheral nerves, aiming to provide an effective alternative for those who do not respond well to traditional treatments like NSAIDs or hormonal contraception. By allowing patients to manage their symptoms at home, the research seeks to improve quality of life and reduce the economic burden caused by missed work or school due to severe menstrual pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective home treatment option for individuals suffering from dysmenorrhea.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical studies have shown that acupuncture-based nerve stimulation can effectively reduce dysmenorrhea symptoms, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Theranova, LLC
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burnett, Daniel Rogers — Theranova, LLC
- Study coordinator: Burnett, Daniel Rogers
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Decoding Dysmenorrhea: Longitudinal Pain Phenotypes in Adolescents and Young Adults
A study on how menstrual pain develops over time in teenagers and young adults, exploring brain and behavior to understand why some have ongoing pain.
-
Gut microbiome and multisensory sensitivity in teen menstrual pain
A study in adolescent girls with moderate-to-severe menstrual pain will explore how gut bacteria relate to their pain and sensitivity to different senses.
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AI-powered, person-centered chatbot to help manage menstrual pain
A patient-friendly AI chatbot called PeriodPal will provide evidence-based, personalized tips to help manage dysmenorrhea and reduce days missed from work or school.
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Vaginal microbiome and bodily signals linked to menstrual pain phenotypes
This research will look at how the vaginal microbiome, inflammatory signals, hormones, and natural metabolites relate to different patterns of menstrual pain in diverse teens and young women.
-
Investigating the role of vaginal microbiome in menstrual pain
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the vagina might influence menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, in women aged 14-39, to help find better ways to treat those who experience different levels of pain during their periods.
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Understanding how menstrual pain can lead to chronic pelvic pain
This study is looking at how painful periods might lead to long-term pelvic pain and how inflammation and nerve changes play a role, so we can find better ways to help women manage their pain and prevent it from getting worse.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.