diestrus

reproductive cycle

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June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Diestrus is a period of sexual inactivity that occurs between two periods of estrus, or heat, in female mammals. This phase is part of the estrous cycle, a hormonal interaction that prepares the female for reproduction.12

The estrous cycle involves several stages:
* Proestrus: Ovarian follicles mature, producing estrogen that thickens the uterine lining.2
* Estrus: The female is receptive to mating, typically coinciding with ovulation.23
* Metestrus: If fertilization doesn't occur, the reproductive tract returns to its normal state.2
* Diestrus: A quiescent period that intervenes between estrus phases.1
* Anestrus: A non-reproductive period, which may follow diestrus.2

Mammals can be monestrous (one cycle per year) or polyestrous (multiple cycles per year). Diestrus is a term used to describe this phase within the reproductive cycle.2314

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dog
Reproductive cycle
…begins; this stage is called diestrus. The discharge becomes redder, the vulva returns to its normal size, and the bitch will no longer accept the male for mating. When all signs of discharge and swelling are absent, the heat is complete. The diestrus stage lasts 60 to 90 days (if…
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…begins; this stage is called diestrus. The discharge becomes redder, the vulva returns to its normal size, and the bitch will no longer accept the male for mating. When all signs of discharge and swelling are absent, the heat is complete. The diestrus stage lasts 60 to 90 days (if…
Read More

mammal
Estrus and other cycles
…a brief quiescent period (diestrus) and another preparatory proestrus phase. Mammals that breed only once a year are termed monestrous and exhibit a long anestrus; those that breed more than once a year are termed polyestrous. In many polyestrous species the estrous cycle ceases during gestation and lactation (milk…
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…a brief quiescent period (diestrus) and another preparatory proestrus phase. Mammals that breed only once a year are termed monestrous and exhibit a long anestrus; those that breed more than once a year are termed polyestrous. In many polyestrous species the estrous cycle ceases during gestation and lactation (milk…
Read More