Dioestrum

/daɪˈɛstrəm/ noun

Definition

The period of sexual quiescence or inactivity in female mammals between two estrous cycles; also called diestrum.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) and 'oestrum' (estrous period), describing the interval between two periods of sexual receptivity in animals with multiple breeding cycles per year.

Kelly Says

During dioestrum, female mammals undergo dramatic hormonal changes that suppress estrogen and elevate progesterone, fundamentally altering their behavior, metabolism, and even immune function—it's essentially a completely different physiological state that recurs twice yearly.

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