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Difference Between Oestrus Cycle and Menstrual Cycle

Difference Between Oestrus Cycle and Menstrual Cycle

The main difference between oestrus cycle and menstrual cycle is that oestrus cycle is found in most mammals except for humans and some primates, while the menstrual cycle is exclusive to humans.

Another difference is that during the oestrus cycle, the endometrial lining of the uterus is reabsorbed, while it is shed during the menstrual cycle.

Table of Content (TOC)

Difference Between Oestrus Cycle and Menstrual Cycle

For better clarity, here’s a tabular difference between these two.

Aspect Oestrus Cycle Menstrual Cycle
Found in Most mammals except humans and some primates Humans and some other primates
Sexual receptivity Females are sexually receptive only during estrus (heat) No distinct phase of sexual receptivity
Fertility Females are fertile only during estrus Females can potentially conceive at various points
Ovulation Generally, ovulation occurs during estrus Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the cycle
Uterine lining No shedding of uterine lining if fertilization doesn’t occur Shedding of uterine lining (menstruation) occurs if fertilization doesn’t occur
Hormonal regulation Hormonal fluctuations regulate cycle phases Hormonal fluctuations coordinate menstrual cycle phases

What is the Oestrus Cycle?

The oestrus cycle, also known as the estrus cycle, is a process of reproductive changes in most mammals except some primates and humans. It causes hormonal changes and the release of eggs in females.

During the cycle, females become sexually receptive and seek mating opportunities. The duration and phases of the cycle vary among species but generally follow a similar pattern of hormonal fluctuations and reproductive readiness.

What is the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in the female body every month. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining, which results in bleeding. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, fluctuating throughout the cycle to coordinate the various stages and prepare the body for pregnancy.

Key Differences Between Oestrus and Menstrual Cycles

Here are the key differences:

  • The oestrus cycle is found in most mammals except humans and some primates. But menstrual cycle is exclusive to humans.
  • The estrus cycle ends with estrus, a period of sexual receptivity that occurs during a specific cycle phase. In contrast, the menstrual cycle ends with the shedding of the endometrial lining of the uterus as menstrual blood.
  • During the estrus cycle, the endometrial lining of the uterus is reabsorbed, while it is shed during the menstrual cycle.
  • The estrogen and progesterone hormones produced by the ovaries control the oestrus cycle. Meanwhile, the menstrual cycle is regulated by a more complex interplay of hormones, like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), produced by the ovaries and the pituitary gland.

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