Estrous cycle

The estrus cycle (also oestrus cycle; derived from Latin oestrus and originally from Greek οἶστρος meaning sexual desire) comprises the recurring physiologic changes that are induced by reproductive hormones in most mammalian therian females. Estrus cycles start after sexual maturity in females and are interrupted by anestrous phases or pregnancies. Typically, estrus cycles continue until death. Some animals may display bloody vaginal discharge, often mistaken for menstruation, also called a "period".

Differences from the menstrual cycle

Mammals share the same reproductive system, including the regulatory hypothalamic system that releases gonadotropin releasing hormone in pulses, the pituitary that secretes follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and the ovary itself that releases sex hormones including estrogens and progesterone.

However, species vary significantly in the detailed functioning. One difference is that animals that have estrous cycles reabsorb the endometrium if conception does not occur during that cycle. Animals that have menstrual cycles shed the endometrium through menstruation instead. Another difference is sexual activity. In species with estrous cycles, females are generally only sexually active during the estrus phase of their cycle (see below for an explanation of the different phases in an estrous cycle). This is also referred to as being "in heat". In contrast, females of species with menstrual cycles can be sexually active at any time in their cycle, even when they are not about to ovulate.

Estrus (EP)

Estrus EP is a 7" extended play by John Frusciante, released in 1997. Only 400–500 copies of this vinyl EP were pressed, and could be purchased through Birdman Recordings. The first song, "Estrus", was released as the last song on Smile from the Streets You Hold under the title "Estress". The b-side "Outside Space" was originally recorded for Frusciante's debut album Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt, and a brief sample can be heard in the final ten seconds of the track "Mascara".

Track listing

All songs written by John Frusciante.

Estrus (disambiguation)

Estrus is the phase when the female of a species is sexually receptive.

Estrus may also refer to: