A semi-mechanistic mathematical model on the interactions between the ovulatory-menstrual cycle and the metabolic and cardiovascular system

Abstract: The female body, especially the sex hormones and their dynamic interactions with the rest of the body, have been historically understudied. Many disruptions happen precisely in the interactions between two or more subsystems, but systemic interactions that sustain health or pathological states are often overlooked. Consequently, diagnosis and treatments barely take them into consideration. Mathematical modelling allows to study dynamic interactions to better understand the system as a whole. The aim of the current research is to build a semi-mechanistic mathematical model based on physical principles to describe the interactions between the Ovulatory-Menstrual Cycle (OMC), the metabolic and the cardiovascular system. Here, we show preliminary simulation results from coupling Glucose-Insulin (G-I) dynamics to estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. The model also includes endometrial tissue growth coupled to the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary (HPO) axis dynamics throughout the ovulatory cycle. Regarding the cardiovascular system, we model it from a fluid mechanics perspective as a closed loop, to explore the impact of E2 and P4 on blood tension and volumetric flows.