For decades, neuroscience research has overlooked the distinct ways in which female brains function, particularly in relation to hormonal fluctuations, pain perception, and cognitive processes. But a new wave of research in women’s neuroscience is changing that, and neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur Emilė Radytė is at the forefront.
Through brain stimulation technology, she is uncovering how conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain affect the brain—and, more importantly, how to treat them.
A Drug-Free Solution for PMS and Period Pain
Radytė, the founder of Samphire Neuroscience, has developed Nettle, a wearable neurotechnology device designed to provide non-invasive, drug-free relief from menstrual pain and PMS symptoms. Using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), Nettle targets neural pathways associated with pain and mood regulation.
Clinical trials have shown promising results, with users reporting reduced pain, improved mood stability, and better cognitive function during menstruation.
This breakthrough represents a significant shift in women’s healthcare. Instead of treating PMS and period pain as isolated reproductive issues, Radytė’s work acknowledges their neurological roots—something that has been largely overlooked in traditional medicine.
The Female Brain: More Than Just Hormones
Women’s neuroscience is revealing that while male and female brains share more similarities than differences, there are key functional variations. Research has shown that women often have a larger hippocampus, the brain’s memory and emotional processing center, with a higher density of neural connections. This structure allows for greater sensory and emotional processing, which may explain why women are more prone to experiencing conditions like anxiety, depression, and heightened pain sensitivity.
Moreover, hormonal fluctuations—particularly estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the menstrual cycle—play a crucial role in cognitive performance, mood regulation, and even how the brain processes pain. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted treatments that address the unique neurological challenges women face.
The Future of Women’s Neuroscience
As the field of women’s neuroscience expands, so too does the potential for innovative treatments that go beyond conventional pharmaceuticals. Radytė’s work with Nettle is just one example of how neurotechnology can be harnessed to improve women’s health, offering solutions tailored to the biological realities of female physiology.
For too long, women’s health has been understudied, misdiagnosed, and treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. The rise of women’s neuroscience is not just about filling knowledge gaps—it’s about revolutionising care. With new research and cutting-edge technology, the future of women’s health is finally being shaped by science that truly understands the female body.
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