Estrus
Updated:Estrus, also known as "heat" in many mammals, is a recurring period of sexual receptivity and fertility in most female mammals. It's characterized by hormonal changes that prepare the body for potential conception. During estrus, females are typically most receptive to mating and have the highest chance of becoming pregnant.
Additional Information
In humans, the equivalent process is the menstrual cycle, specifically the fertile window around ovulation. Unlike many mammals, humans don't have an obvious estrus period. Instead, human females can be receptive to sexual activity throughout their menstrual cycle, a phenomenon known as "concealed ovulation."
The estrus cycle is controlled by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause physical and behavioral changes in the animal, such as swelling of the genital area, changes in body odor, and increased sexual behavior.
Examples
A female dog entering her heat cycle, becoming more restless and attracting male dogs
Farmers tracking the estrus cycles of cows to optimize breeding programs