Correlations between pelvic pain, low back pain, and postural stability in healthy young women during the menstrual cycle

Introduction The menstrual cycle is governed by hormonal changes and is divided into three phases based on the events in the ovary (ovarian cycle) and uterus (uterine cycle). This study investigated correlations between pelvic pain, low back pain, and postural stability in healthy young women during their menstrual cycle. Methods Eighty-five female patients were randomly assigned to participate in this study. The outcome measures were pelvic pain (functional pelvic pain scale [FPPS], low back pain (back pain functional scale [BPFS]), and postural stability (Biodex Balance System). Results There was a significant moderate negative correlation between the FPPS and BPFS scores (<i>r</i> = –0.437, <i>p</i> < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between FPPS and overall stability index (OSI) scores (<i>r</i> = –0.054, <i>p</i> = 0.625) and BPFS and OSI scores (<i>r</i> = 0.143, <i>p</i> = 0.192). Conclusions There was a significant moderate negative correlation between FPPS and BPFS scores. Many young females experienced pelvic pain related to back pain, which also affected functional ability.