When we think of cycles, we often think of nature or time—but our bodies follow cycles too, especially when it comes to women’s health. One of the most complex and cyclical systems in the body is the female pelvis, which plays a central role in movement, support, and reproductive function.
The female pelvic girdle is more than just a collection of bones—it’s a coordinated system of ligaments, muscles, fascia, and joints that work together to stabilize the body, transmit forces, and protect vital organs. What makes this structure especially unique in women is that its stability changes in response to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. To understand and support women’s health fully, we must appreciate these changes and the body’s broader interconnected systems—starting from the ground up.
Cyclical Changes and Pelvic Stability
Cyclical pelvic stability (CPS) describes the female pelvis’s ability to maintain balance and proper function across the different hormonal phases of the menstrual cycle. Shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels create temporary biomechanical changes that can affect the pelvis in several ways:
Ligament laxity: Higher estrogen levels, particularly around ovulation, can increase flexibility in pelvic ligaments. While this is beneficial for reproductive needs like childbirth, it can momentarily reduce stability, increasing the risk of joint strain or discomfort.
Muscle function: Hormonal fluctuations can impact the strength and coordination of pelvic and core muscles, including those in the pelvic floor, affecting posture and movement control.
Fluid retention: Increased water retention during certain cycle phases can add internal pressure to pelvic tissues, contributing to discomfort or occasional incontinence.
These natural variations don’t weaken the pelvic floor, but they do highlight the importance of addressing pelvic health holistically. Since the body moves as an integrated kinetic chain, a change in one area—like the feet—can influence the function of the pelvis.
The Feet: Foundation of Pelvic Function
Although the feet might not be the first place people think to evaluate when discussing pelvic health, they serve as the base of the body’s structural chain. Ground reaction forces travel upward through the feet and legs, influencing how the pelvis moves and stabilizes. If foot mechanics are off, the ripple effect can create strain further up the chain.
For example, excessive pronation (rolling inward) of the feet can cause internal leg rotation and pelvic imbalances, leading to unnecessary stress on ligaments and surrounding muscles. On the other hand, over-supination (rolling outward) can disrupt balance and impair shock absorption, potentially affecting pelvic posture and stability.
Additionally, we can’t overlook the role of myofascial lines—networks of muscle and connective tissue that span from the feet to the pelvis. The deep front line is particularly relevant, as it links the arches of the feet all the way to the pelvic floor through muscles like the posterior tibialis, soleus, adductors, and iliopsoas. Any dysfunction in the feet can create imbalances or tension in this chain, altering how the pelvis supports and stabilizes itself throughout the menstrual cycle.
A Proactive Approach to Pelvic Stability
Promoting pelvic stability in women means taking a comprehensive and preventive approach:
Chiropractic care: Gentle, specific adjustments and soft tissue therapies can support both the pelvis and neuromuscular function, especially during times of increased hormonal laxity.
Exercise: Strengthening the core and pelvic floor through targeted movement can provide better support for the pelvis and spine—particularly valuable during pregnancy or hormonal transitions.
Foot support: Wearing zero-drop, wide toe-box shoes will lead to increased strength in the foot, thus providing better support of the arch. Natural foot movement can help correct dysfunction from the ground up.
In Conclusion
The menstrual cycle introduces dynamic changes in a woman’s body, and pelvic stability is one area where those shifts are especially noticeable. Understanding how foundational structures like the feet play a role in supporting the pelvis allows women to take proactive steps toward better health. Through individualized care, exercise, and thoughtful foot support, it’s possible to build resilience and reduce discomfort—helping women thrive through every phase of their cycle.
About Dr. Juliana Mitchell
Dr. Mitchell, a South Florida native, has been serving the Orlando area since 2021. After earning her Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she was inspired by her own positive chiropractic experience following a back injury to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida. There, she received comprehensive training in spinal manipulation, rehabilitation, manual therapies, nutrition, and holistic wellness.
Specializing in musculoskeletal conditions—particularly those affecting the spine, joints, and nervous system—Dr. Mitchell delivers evidence-based, patient-centered care. She employs techniques including Diversified, Thompson Drop, Flexion Distraction, Activator Method, and Webster, continually updating her skills with the latest research. Known for her compassionate, hands-on approach, she creates personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve pain-free, active lives. Outside of the office, Dr. Mitchell enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.