Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects 2–8% of people of reproductive age. Unlike ordinary PMS, PMDD causes intense mood changes, irritability, and depression in the week before a period that can seriously disrupt daily life. Current treatments — including antidepressants and hormonal therapies — don't work for everyone, and some people prefer not to take medication. This study investigates whether a type of brain stimulation called Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) — a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation — can reduce the psychological symptoms of PMDD. TBS is already approved for treating depression and has a good safety record. Participants receive TBS during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle (the week before their period begins). You may be eligible if you are a woman aged 18–45 with a confirmed PMDD diagnosis, have experienced symptoms for at least a year, and are not currently pregnant. You are not eligible if you have certain neurological conditions (such as a history of seizures), are at risk of suicide, or have a serious mental health condition other than depression. The study runs as a small pilot to assess whether TBS shows enough promise to study in a larger trial.