A mathematical model for the human menstrual cycle.

A simple mathematical model framework is developed to describe the hormonal interactions of the human menstrual cycle along the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovaries axis. The framework is designed so that it can be readily extended to model processes that disrupt the normal functioning cycle. The model in its most basic formulation exhibits multiple periodic solutions, one of which shows the key characteristics of a menstrual cycle, while the others indicate possible abnormalities sometimes observed in women of reproductive age. The basic model is extended to encompass receptor down-regulation as a mechanism to describe the desensitization of the pituitary to continuous stimulation of hypothalamic hormone, a hormonal therapy that is commonly prescribed prior to the surgical procedure for the removal of uterine myomas. Though the mechanisms for desensitization are likely to be more complex, the model results are in good qualitative agreement with physiological observations.