Question 1

What is the Samphire Headband?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband is a wearable neurostimulation device that gently stimulates the brain regions involved in mood and pain regulation. It pairs with the Samphire App, where our patented CycleSync™ algorithm personalizes your sessions to your symptoms, cycle, and life stage. The Samphire Headband comes in two models: Nettle™ is a CE-certified medical device available in the UK and EU, clinically validated for managing mood and pain symptoms associated with menstruation. Lutea™ is a consumer wellness device designed to support balance, calm, and focus throughout the cycle and beyond. It is available without prescription in the US, Canada, and select other markets. Both models share the same core hardware and pair with the Samphire App for personalized protocols. To understand the science, visit our support centre.

Question 2

How do I use my Samphire Headband?

Accepted Answer

Each session is 20 minutes. How often you use it is personalized to you — the Samphire App and CycleSync™ algorithm build a schedule based on your symptoms, cycle, and life stage. Some people only need it on 5–6 days per cycle (often in the days before symptoms appear). Others — those managing chronic conditions like endometriosis, perimenopausal symptoms, or postpartum recovery — use it 5 times per week or close to daily. Your schedule will be visible in the app, and we adjust it as you log how you're feeling. For best results, follow the schedule consistently. You may start to feel benefits sooner, but we recommend completing three full cycles (or three months of use, if you don't cycle) before evaluating how well it's working — everyone's body and brain respond differently. To ensure correct fit and placement, follow the user manual or watch the instructional videos in the Samphire App.

Question 3

How quickly will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Some users start to feel benefits within the first few sessions. For the most reliable read, we recommend using your Samphire Headband consistently for at least three full menstrual cycles (or three months if you don't currently cycle). Everyone's body and brain respond differently, so the trajectory varies — the Samphire App will help you track changes in mood, sleep, and pain over time so you can see what's shifting.

Question 4

What does it feel like?

Accepted Answer

Some users describe a mild tingling sensation where the device rests — that's a normal effect of the gentle electrical current and usually fades within a few minutes. The sensation also declines with continued use. Whether you feel it or not does not affect how well it works.

Question 5

Can I use the Samphire Headband while working, reading, or meditating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sessions are hands-free once the Samphire Headband is in place, so many people use them while reading, working, or relaxing. Some users notice a mild tingling sensation at first, which usually fades within a few minutes — whether you feel it or not does not affect how well it works.

Question 6

Can I share my Samphire Headband with others?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can share your Samphire Headband as long as each person has their own Samphire App account so that CycleSync™ can personalize for them and tracking stays accurate. Each account has free basics; a paid subscription unlocks full CycleSync™ personalization (see the App & Personalization FAQ for details). For full guidance on sharing and best practices, visit our Support Centre.

Question 7

Is neurostimulation safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes — neurostimulation is a safe, non-invasive, and non-hormonal technology that has been used for over 30 years in clinical and research settings to modulate brain activity involved in pain and mood regulation. The technology has been studied and used clinically for over 30 years, and there has never been a serious adverse event reported in relation to its use. If you'd like to read the scientific consensus report on safety, it's available here.

Question 8

Is it safe to use the Samphire Headband every day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — daily 20-minute sessions are safe for most users. The Samphire App and CycleSync™ algorithm will tell you how often to use your Samphire Headband based on your symptoms and life stage. Some people use it daily; others use it on 5–6 days per cycle. You should not use neurostimulation if you are under 18, pregnant, have epilepsy or a history of seizures, have neurological implants, have active suicidal thoughts or severe psychiatric illness, or have cranial lesions, tumours, or other defects in the skull. See our contraindications guide for full details.

Question 9

Who shouldn't use the Samphire Headband?

Accepted Answer

You should not use the Samphire Headband if you are: Under 18 years old Pregnant or may be pregnant Have epilepsy or a history of seizures Have neurological implants (cochlear implants, deep-brain stimulators, etc.) Have active suicidal thoughts or severe psychiatric illness Have cranial lesions, tumours, or other defects in the skull If you have any medical concerns, please review our contraindications guide and consult your healthcare provider before using neurostimulation.

Question 10

Can I use the Samphire Headband during my period?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many users find the Samphire Headband particularly helpful for managing menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and mood symptoms during this time, and CycleSync™ often schedules sessions through the early days of the period for that reason.

Question 11

Can I use the Samphire Headband if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband should not be used during pregnancy. There's no cause for concern if you used the device before realizing you were pregnant — neurostimulation hasn't been studied for use during pregnancy, which is why we list it as a contraindication, but no known safety issue has been reported. If you're pregnant, pause use and consult your healthcare provider before resuming. For breastfeeding: there is no known interaction between the Samphire Headband and breastfeeding, and many of our postpartum users continue to use it while nursing. We recommend starting only after your healthcare provider has cleared you postpartum.

Question 12

Does the Samphire Headband work with my medications or HRT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Neurostimulation can be safely used alongside most medications, including antidepressants, hormonal contraception, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many people use the Samphire Headband alongside HRT to support mood, focus, and pain symptoms that HRT alone may not fully address. It should not be used at the same time as another active neurostimulation device. Before using the Samphire Headband, review the user manual carefully and, if you have any doubt, consult your healthcare professional.

Question 13

Who is the Samphire Headband for?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband is designed to support people across the full hormonal lifespan — not only those who currently menstruate. CycleSync™ adapts the protocol to where you are. We currently support people managing: Menstrual conditions: PMDD, PMS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea (period pain) Hormonal–metabolic: PCOS (also known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome / PMOS) Pelvic pain: chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction Life-stage transitions: perimenopause, postmenopause, postpartum Cycle-suppressed states: on hormonal contraception, post-hysterectomy Trying to conceive (TTC): the Samphire Headband is non-pharmacological and has no known fertility interaction If your situation isn't on this list, write to us at support@samphireneuro.com — we'll help you figure out whether the Samphire Headband fits.

Question 14

What conditions can the Samphire Headband help with?

Accepted Answer

Because neurostimulation targets the brain pathways involved in pain and emotional regulation, many users find the Samphire Headband helpful for PMS, PMDD, dysmenorrhea, and perimenopausal symptoms, even when symptoms overlap between conditions. The Samphire Headband (Nettle™) is currently approved (CE-certified) for primary dysmenorrhea (period pain) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in the UK and EU. We are expecting clearance for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain by the end of 2026 — our evidence is currently under regulatory review. The Samphire Headband (Lutea™) is a wellness device in the US and other markets — not approved as a treatment for any specific condition, but designed to support balance, calm, and focus throughout the cycle and beyond.

Question 15

Is the Samphire Headband effective for PMDD symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband is designed to help with both the pain and mood symptoms associated with hormonal change, which substantially overlap with PMDD. In our PMDD-specific study (a collaboration with Queen Mary University of London, concluded May 2026), 82.4% of women experienced a statistically significant reduction in luteal-phase anxiety — outperforming placebo and most antidepressants, without drugs or hormones. The findings are currently being written up for peer review and are under review by the appropriate regulatory authorities for the formal approval of the Samphire Headband as a therapeutic treatment option for PMDD. Recruitment announcements for upcoming PMDD studies are shared through our newsletter and Instagram, or you can see current trials here.

Question 16

Can the Samphire Headband help with endometriosis symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband is not yet approved as a medical treatment for endometriosis — CE clearance for endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain is currently expected by the end of 2026. The Nettle™ model is being piloted with the NHS in London right now, with the goal of NHS trust reimbursement for users in need from 2028 onwards. Many current users report benefits today. Many users with endometriosis report that neurostimulation helps them manage cramps, fatigue, and mood symptoms more comfortably throughout their cycle. For endometriosis, CycleSync™ typically schedules sessions 5 times per week distributed across the whole cycle, rather than concentrated in one phase — sustained baseline support rather than flares.

Question 17

Does the Samphire Headband work for perimenopause and menopause?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Samphire Headband and CycleSync™ are designed to support people whose cycles are unpredictable or absent, not only those with regular cycles. For perimenopausal users, where cycles vary in length, intensity, and predictability, CycleSync™ switches from cycle-anchored scheduling to a daily or near-daily protocol that supports mood, sleep, hot flushes, and brain fog through the transition. For postmenopausal users, the algorithm typically recommends a symptom-anchored schedule — sessions clustered around the days when vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, or mood shifts hit hardest. The Samphire Headband works alongside HRT and other approaches to perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms — not only instead of them (though it is also a great option for those not wanting a hormonal option). If you're already on HRT or considering it, the Samphire Headband can support the symptoms that HRT alone may not fully address.

Question 18

What if my cycle is irregular, or I don't have a period?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband and CycleSync™ are designed to handle this. The algorithm doesn't depend on a regular 28-day cycle to know when to schedule sessions. If your cycle is irregular — whether because of perimenopause, PCOS / PMOS, postpartum recovery, hormonal contraception, post-hysterectomy, or any other reason — CycleSync™ adjusts. Instead of anchoring sessions to specific cycle phases, it builds a schedule around the symptoms you log in the Samphire App. The same applies if you don't currently have periods at all. The algorithm uses symptom patterns, life stage, and the goals you set as the inputs — not cycle data alone.

Question 19

What is the Samphire App and how does CycleSync™ work?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire App is the companion app that pairs with your Samphire Headband. It's where personalization happens. When you set up the app, we'll ask you a few questions about your symptoms, cycle, life stage, and what you're hoping to support. From there, our patented CycleSync™ algorithm picks the right stimulation pattern for you — adjusting the timing, frequency, and protocol of sessions across your cycle (or across your week, if you don't have a regular cycle). CycleSync™ was trained on neurotechnology data from thousands of people spanning every hormonal life stage — menstruating, perimenopausal, postmenopausal, postpartum, on hormonal contraception, trying to conceive, and post-hysterectomy. As you log how you're feeling in the app, the algorithm continues to refine your recommendations over time. This algorithm is owned by Samphire and is the only available personalization option on the market designed for women's needs and lives.

Question 20

How does the Samphire App track my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

You log how you're feeling in the app — short prompts that take seconds, covering mood, pain, sleep, energy, and any symptom flares. You can also log your period, ovulation, and other cycle events. The Samphire App turns this into a dashboard so you can see what's shifting over time — across cycles, across months, alongside your session history. CycleSync™ uses the same data to refine your protocol — when symptoms cluster differently from what we predicted, the algorithm adjusts the schedule. Tracking is private to you. We use aggregated, de-identified data to improve CycleSync™ for everyone, but your individual entries are never shared. See our privacy FAQ for the full picture.

Question 21

Do I need a subscription to use the Samphire Headband?

Accepted Answer

No — the Samphire App offers a free tier with the basics, so you can use your Samphire Headband from day one. The free tier covers core session timing and basic tracking. A paid Samphire App subscription unlocks the full CycleSync™ personalization — the patented algorithm that builds your schedule based on your symptoms and life stage, adjusts it as you log how you're feeling, and gives you access to the full protocol library and tracking dashboard. For most users, the subscription is what makes the difference between "using a neurostimulation device" and "having a personalized plan that adapts with you." Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time — you'll revert to the free tier and keep your data. If you share your Samphire Headband with another person, each person needs their own Samphire App account.

Question 22

What clinical evidence supports the Samphire Headband?

Accepted Answer

The Samphire Headband (available as Nettle™ in the UK and EU, and Lutea™ in the US, Canada, and select other markets) is backed by extensive research, including: Published peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the efficacy of non-invasive neurostimulation for symptoms of hormonal change — including mood, pain, sleep, and cognition Clinical trials conducted in partnership with leading universities (see below) Real-world data from thousands of users, which trains our patented CycleSync™ algorithm and continues to refine personalized protocols over time You can learn more about the science behind our approach on our science page.

Question 23

Who are your research partners?

Accepted Answer

We collaborate with world-leading research institutions including: Stanford University University College London (UCL) Imperial College London Harvard Medical School Queen Mary University London Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) Vilnius University Lithuanian National Cancer Institute These partnerships shape both the Samphire Headband itself — across the Nettle™ and Lutea™ models — and the CycleSync™ algorithm that powers personalized protocols inside the Samphire App.

Question 24

What does the research say about neurostimulation?

Accepted Answer

Non-invasive neurostimulation has been studied for over 30 years, with thousands of published papers examining its effects on the brain and body. The literature shows that targeted transcranial stimulation can modulate brain activity and neuroplasticity, with documented benefits for: Mood and emotional regulation Pain management Sleep quality Cognitive function and focus The Samphire Headband applies these principles in a wearable, at-home form factor. Our patented CycleSync™ algorithm — trained on neurotechnology data from thousands of people across every hormonal life stage — picks the stimulation pattern that fits your symptoms, cycle, and stage of life. To dig into the science, visit our science page.

Question 25

Are there any clinical trials I can join, or recent findings I can read?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recent and active studies include: PMDD (concluded May 2026) — our collaboration with Queen Mary University of London found that 82.4% of women experienced a statistically significant reduction in luteal-phase anxiety with the Samphire Headband, outperforming placebo and most antidepressants, without drugs or hormones. Findings are being written up for peer review and are under review by regulatory authorities for the formal approval of the Samphire Headband as a therapeutic treatment option for PMDD. Endometriosis & chronic pelvic pain — currently being piloted with the NHS in London, with the goal of NHS trust reimbursement for users in need from 2028 onwards. Active studies on PMDD follow-up, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and perimenopausal symptoms are ongoing with partners including the NHS, UCLH, and international institutions. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for recruitment announcements. You can also see the full list of current trials on our website here.

Question 26

How is my health and cycle data protected?

Accepted Answer

Your data is treated as private health information from the moment it leaves your phone. Cycle, symptom, mood, and sleep data you enter into the Samphire App is encrypted in transit and at rest. Patient data is never stored on US servers. All patient data infrastructure is hosted in the UK / EU. We are GDPR compliant. We never sell your personal data to third parties. Data used to improve the CycleSync™ algorithm is aggregated and de-identified before any analysis or model training. We do not train on or share data that could be linked back to you as an individual. Our full privacy policy is available on our website, and if you have a specific question, write to us at support@samphireneuro.com.

Question 27

Can I export or delete my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can export your data directly from the app, which many users do to share it with their clinicians, or request that we delete it, at any time. Contact us at support@samphireneuro.com and we'll process your request in line with GDPR timelines. Deleting your account also stops your data being used in any future aggregated analysis. Data we have already aggregated and de-identified before your request is technically no longer linked to you and cannot be retroactively removed from past aggregate datasets — this is consistent with how GDPR treats de-identified data.

Question 28

Can I use HSA/FSA funds to purchase the Samphire Headband and a subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes — US customers can use their HSA or FSA funds to purchase the Samphire Headband (Lutea™) and a Samphire App subscription. If you have an HSA or FSA debit card, you can select it as your payment method at checkout. Eligibility is confirmed during checkout in line with HSA/FSA guidelines. For more information, see our blog post on HSA/FSA savings.

Question 29

Can I buy now and pay later?

Accepted Answer

Yes — at checkout choose to split your purchase into interest-free instalments. Availability varies by region, and eligibility criteria applies. If you don't see a pay-later option that works for you, please contact our support team and we'll do our best to help.

Question 30

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Standard times vary by destination: USA, UK, and European Union: 2–7 business days Rest of world: 10–14 business days for most locations; can vary for particularly remote destinations For more details about delivery to your location, see our shipping information page.

Question 31

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Samphire Headband is available internationally. If you don't see your country listed at checkout, please make sure you're checking out on the correct region of our store. If you need help, contact us at support@samphireneuro.com.

Question 32

How much does shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer free standard shipping on orders to the UK, EU, and USA. Other international shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your delivery address. Wherever possible, express shipping is offered as a paid option at checkout.

Question 33

How do I track my order?

Accepted Answer

Once your order has been dispatched, you'll receive an email with your tracking number and a link to track your delivery. If you haven't received a tracking email within 48 hours of placing your order, please check your spam folder or contact our support team.

Question 34

What is your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases worldwide. You are responsible for the cost of returning the item to us, and all items must be in their original condition and packaging. For purchasers in the European Union and United Kingdom, we offer an additional 90-day money-back guarantee on the Samphire Headband (Nettle™), provided you can provide proof of usage during the 90-day window, or explain why you were unable to use Nettle™ as recommended. Please read the full Returns Policy for details on eligibility, exclusions, and how to start a return. To initiate a return, contact our support team.

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