Modelling female physiology from head to Toe: Impact of sex hormones, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy

Stéphanie Abo; Delaney Smith; Melissa Stadt; Anita Layton

doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111074

Modelling female physiology from head to Toe: Impact of sex hormones, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy

J Theor Biol. 2022 May 7:540:111074. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111074. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Authors

Stéphanie Abo¹, Delaney Smith², Melissa Stadt³, Anita Layton⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada. Electronic address: sabo@uwaterloo.ca.
² Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada. Electronic address: d62smith@uwaterloo.ca.
³ Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada. Electronic address: mstadt@uwaterloo.ca.
⁴ Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada; Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada; Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada; Department of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo N2L 3G1, ON, Canada. Electronic address: anita.layton@uwaterloo.ca.

PMID: 35227731
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111074

Abstract

Men and women exhibit notable differences not only in the reproductive system and reproductive behaviors, but in many other organ and physiological systems as well. Notable examples include; the stress and immune systems, the anatomy of the brain, and the metabolic and cardiovascular functions. Furthermore, female physiology is affected by the menstrual cycle and by pregnancy and lactation. If we are to successfully develop effective sex-based therapies, we must attain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of sex hormones, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy on physiological function. By analyzing experimental findings, mathematical modelling can play a major role in facilitating and contributing to advancing the understanding of sex differences in physiology and pathophysiology. In this review, we present a survey of existing sex-specific modelling studies of physiological systems, describe the impact of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and discuss future modelling opportunities.

Keywords: Menstrual cycle; Physiology; Pregnancy; Sex differences.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Female
Gonadal Steroid Hormones*
Humans
Lactation
Male
Menstrual Cycle* / metabolism
Pregnancy
Sex Characteristics
Toes

Substances

Gonadal Steroid Hormones