How does estrus work?
Its hard to pinpoint all the effects or even one major effect/action in estrus to just one or two hormones the pathways are very complex and hormone levels change based on the exact time in the cycle. But there is much known about it. All estrous cycle hormones are controlled via negative feedback involving the hypothalamic portal system (posterior pituitary and hypothamamus). Releasing hormones (LH, FSH, GnRH, etc) cause release of hormones that have an effect on reproduction (estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, etc). It is known that for most animals, though the lengths of their estrus cycles may vary, the hormones LH (luteinizing hormone) and progesterone are at an all time high during and just after ovulation. This indicates that a rise in the levels of these hormones may result in the increased desire to mate (which almost always occurs right before ovulation).
