Cyclic changes in composition and volume of the breast during the menstrual cycle, measured by magnetic resonance imaging

The volumes and spin-lattice (T1) relaxation times of breast tissues and parenchymal water content were measured non-invasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in eight healthy women during four to eight consecutive menstrual cycles. Total breast volume, and parenchymal volume, T1 relaxation time and water content were lowest between days 6 and 15. Between days 16 and 28, parenchymal volume, T1 relaxation time and water content rose sharply by 38.9%, 15.1% and 24.5%, respectively, and peaked after day 25. Within 5 days of the onset of menses, parenchymal volume fell sharply by 30.3%, while water content declined by 17.5%. Rising parenchymal volume in the second half of the menstrual cycle is not solely due to increased tissue water content and provides in vivo evidence for both growth and increased tissue fluid at this time.