Differentiate between oestrous cycle and menstrual cycle?

The estrous cycle and the menstrual cycle are both reproductive cycles that occur in female mammals. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Oestrous cycle

- Occurs in non-primate mammals

- The estrous cycle is characterized by periods of estrus, or sexual receptivity, and periods of diestrus, or sexual inactivity.

- The length of the estrous cycle varies from species to species, but it is typically around 21 days in humans.

- During estrus, the female produces high levels of the hormone estrogen, which causes her to become sexually receptive.

- After estrus, the levels of estrogen decline and the levels of the hormone progesterone increase, which causes the female to become sexually unreceptive.

Menstrual cycle

- Occurs only in humans and other primates

- The menstrual cycle is characterized by the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) and the growth of a new uterine lining.

- The menstrual cycle typically lasts for around 28 days, but it can vary from woman to woman.

- During the menstrual cycle, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which causes the changes in the uterine lining.

- Menstruation occurs when the levels of estrogen and progesterone decline, which causes the uterine lining to shed.

In summary, the main differences between the estrous cycle and the menstrual cycle are:

- The estrous cycle occurs in non-primate mammals, while the menstrual cycle occurs only in humans and other primates.

- The estrous cycle is characterized by periods of estrus, or sexual receptivity, and periods of diestrus, or sexual inactivity, while the menstrual cycle is characterized by the shedding of the uterine lining and the growth of a new uterine lining.

- The length of the estrous cycle and menstrual cycle vary from species to species.