Oscillatory mechanism in menstrual cycle model regulated by negative feedback loops with two time delays

Abstract

The menstrual cycle of fertile female is regulated by multiple organs and hormones, controlling the reproductive health and fertility of females. This paper is dedicated to exploring how two negative feedback loops regulate and influence the dynamic behavior of the menstrual cycle. We simplified the regulation circuit of the menstrual cycle into a nonlinear differential equation with two time delays. This simplified mathematical model integrates the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovary primary negative feedback loop and the negative feedback auxiliary loop between the ovary and the pituitary. We investigated the delay-dependent conditions for the stability of the model’s equilibrium points and also demonstrated the presence of Hopf bifurcations. Theoretical analysis suggests that the primary feedback loop is the major factor driving oscillation in the system. Further numerical simulations indicate that the negative feedback auxiliary loop allows the system to adjust its amplitude while maintaining the robustness of the cycle length. Consequently, the results obtained from this model provide new insights into the regulation of oscillations in menstrual cycle irregularities.