New Research Shows Women May Have a Biological Edge in TMS Treatment

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain areas associated with mood regulation. Research shows TMS is highly effective, well-tolerated, and offers unique advantages for women, particularly in managing hormonal mood disorders. 

Why TMS is Highly Effective for Women:

• Higher Efficacy Rates: A study evaluating patient outcomes from 5,010 individuals receiving TMS for treatment-resistant depression found that females were 34% more likely to respond and 37% more likely to achieve remission from major depression than males. Sex/gender had the most powerful influence on treatment outcome, even more than stimulus intensity or the total number of TMS sessions.  
• Hormonal and Postpartum Depression: TMS is a proven, medication-free alternative for treating depression associated with hormonal fluctuations. It is highly effective for postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Because TMS uses magnetic fields rather than systemic medications, it is a safe, viable option for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and wish to avoid antidepressant medications. 

Researchers have posited a couple of possible explanations for this biological difference: 

• Differences in skull anatomy allow closer proximity of the brain to the scalp at the prefrontal cortex, leading to larger TMS-induced electric fields
• Greater gray matter density in the prefrontal cortex
• Higher levels of the hormone estradiol, which facilitate cortical excitability

You can read more about this exciting research here.

Interested in TMS treatment but not sure if it’s right for you? Check out our TMS page to find out more about the treatments we offer, TMS news, and common FAQ’s.