period MRI what to expect

Overview

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe and painless scan that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Having your period does not prevent you from having an MRI. This article explains what it is like to have an MRI while on your period, including any preparation and what happens during the scan.

MRI is a very commonly used imaging test, and having a scan during your period is perfectly normal. Hospitals perform MRI scans on people with periods every day without any special concerns.

Anyone who has periods and has been referred for an MRI scan, often to investigate symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, or other abdominal issues. It also affects people who need an MRI for an unrelated reason, such as a knee or brain scan, and happen to be on their period.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Reasons you might be sent for an MRI include heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, or abnormal bleeding.
• During the scan, you may feel a slight warmth in the area being scanned, but this is normal and harmless.
• You will hear loud knocking or humming noises from the machine; you will be given earplugs or headphones.

Symptoms in children

• Children rarely need an MRI for period-related problems, but if they do, the scan is the same as for adults. The scan team will explain everything in a child-friendly way, and children can often listen to music during the scan.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults who are still having periods may have MRIs for similar reasons as younger people. They should tell the radiographer about any metal implants, such as a hip replacement or a pacemaker, because some implants can affect the safety of the scan.

Causes

Main causes

• MRI scans are used to look at soft tissues, such as the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
• Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts can be seen on an MRI.
• Sometimes an MRI is done to check for abnormalities in the womb lining or to investigate fertility problems.

Risk factors

• Having painful or heavy periods may lead your doctor to recommend an MRI.
• A family history of gynaecological conditions, such as fibroids or endometriosis, may increase your chance of needing an MRI.
• Previous abnormal ultrasound or smear test results might make an MRI more likely.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Period pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief
• Changing pads or tampons more than once every hour due to heavy bleeding

Book a routine appointment if:

• Periods that are consistently heavy enough to affect your daily life
• Pelvic pain that lasts more than a few days
• Periods that come more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days

Diagnosis

A period MRI is not a test in itself; it is an MRI scan of the pelvis or abdomen that happens to be done while you are on your period. The scan creates detailed images that help doctors diagnose conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• An MRI scan of the pelvis or abdomen
• Sometimes an ultrasound is done first, and an MRI is used to get a more detailed view.
• Blood tests may be done to check for anaemia if you have heavy bleeding.

What to expect at your appointment

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You will need to lie still for about 15 to 60 minutes. The scan is painless, but you will hear loud noises. You can usually bring a companion, and the radiographer will be watching you through a window. Tell the team if you feel uncomfortable or anxious. If you are on your period, you will be asked to remove any tampon, menstrual cup, or period underwear with metal clips before the scan. You can use a sanitary pad instead. After the scan, you can get dressed and go home immediately.

Treatment

The MRI scan is a diagnostic test, so treatment will depend on what the scan reveals. If the scan shows a condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, your doctor will discuss your options with you in plain language and help you decide the next steps.

Self-care at home

• Use a sanitary pad instead of a tampon on the day of the scan, if possible.
• Tell the radiographer about your period so they can help you prepare and answer any questions.
• Drink plenty of water before and after the scan, and try to relax – the scan is painless and safe.

Medical treatments

Treatment for any condition found during the scan may include pain management, hormonal treatments (such as the combined contraceptive pill or a hormonal intrauterine system – these are examples only and not a recommendation), and other therapies. Your doctor will explain the options that are suitable for you and may refer you to a specialist, such as a gynaecologist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only considered if a condition like a large fibroid, ovarian cyst, or endometriosis does not improve with other treatment, or if it is causing severe symptoms. The surgeon and your healthcare team will explain the procedure and any risks to you before you decide.

Living with this condition

If you are having an MRI because of period problems, you may need to plan your day around the scan. The scan itself does not require recovery time, so you can return to normal activities afterwards. You may feel a little tired from the appointment, but there are no after-effects from the MRI itself.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear comfortable clothing, and use a pad or period underwear without metal parts if you have your period.
• Let the scan team know how long your period lasts and how heavy it is – this helps them understand your situation.
• Bring something to do while waiting, since the entire appointment can take up to an hour.

Diet and exercise

You can eat and drink normally before and after an MRI, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. There are no special diet or exercise rules related to having the scan during your period. Gentle exercise, like walking, can help reduce stress before the scan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having an MRI can feel worrying, especially if you are already dealing with uncomfortable period symptoms. It is normal to feel anxious about the scan or its results. Speak to the radiographer about any fears, and consider asking someone you trust to come with you for support. If you feel very distressed, you can ask to speak to a counsellor or a nurse.

Prevention

Having an MRI cannot prevent period problems, but diagnosing a condition early can help manage symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Many underlying causes of heavy or painful periods cannot be prevented, but early treatment can reduce their impact.

Vaccines

No vaccines are used to prevent conditions that might require an MRI. Vaccines are generally not related to period problems or imaging tests.

Screening programmes

Regular cervical screening (smear tests) is recommended for people with a cervix, but an MRI is not a routine screening test. It is a diagnostic test used when there is a specific concern, such as symptoms or a previous scan that was unclear.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the reason for your MRI goes undiagnosed, symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain may continue or worsen.
• Conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids can sometimes affect fertility if left untreated.
• Anaemia from heavy bleeding can cause tiredness and weakness if not addressed.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally positive. Most conditions that cause problematic periods can be managed successfully with the right treatment. An MRI helps your doctor understand exactly what is happening, so you can get the most appropriate and effective care.

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