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Having a mammogram on the first day of your period

Equipment and setting used in Mammogram
Illustration: Equipment and setting used in Mammogram

Short answer

A mammogram can usually be performed on the first day of your period, but breast tenderness may make compression feel more uncomfortable.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Key point
A mammogram can usually be performed on the first day of your period, but breast tenderness may make compression feel more uncomfortable.
Next step
Discuss the result or symptom with a qualified clinician

What this means

Hormonal changes around menstruation can make breasts swollen or tender. The period itself does not usually prevent useful images. Tell the technologist you are menstruating and mention tenderness so positioning can be careful. If flexible, ask whether another point in your cycle is more comfortable, but do not delay assessment of a new symptom.

What to do

Wear a two-piece outfit and avoid deodorant, powder, lotion, or cream on the breasts and underarms. Tell the centre about pregnancy, breastfeeding, implants, or previous surgery. Bring earlier imaging details if needed.

When to seek care

Seek assessment for a new lump, bloody discharge, skin dimpling, a newly inverted nipple, or a persistent one-sided change. Do not assume a symptom is menstrual if it continues after the period or worsens.

Questions to ask

Ask: Should I keep this appointment? When is tenderness usually lowest? What if compression is too painful? Will these images be compared with earlier ones?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Should I cancel because my period started?

Usually not. Contact the centre if you are very uncomfortable or the appointment has a specific clinical purpose.

Can a period change the result?

Tenderness can affect comfort, but images can usually still be obtained and interpreted in context.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.