Because simple solutions are often the best ones, no doubt, premenopausal women with irregular menstrual periods will like the results of this small study that could change the timing of their breast MRI scans, provide clearer images and significantly reduce repeat scans.
Typically, physicians pay no attention to scheduling a premenopausal woman's breast MRIs in relation to her irregular menstrual cycles, a practice that often leads to multiple scans and non-diagnostic tests, according to scientists, although research has demonstrated performing these scans during the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle reduces breast tissue enhancement and improves results.
Based on blood work taken from patients with irregular periods, determining a woman's serum progesterone concentration with simple blood testing optimizes the scheduling of breast MRIs. In fact, among the 11 women who participated in the study, none needed a second scan.
American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol. 193, No. 6, pp. 1738-1740, December 2009
ScienceDaily November 20, 2009
healthfinder.gov November 20, 2009