What is the term for the period when female sex hormones are at their highest and females are most receptive to mating?

The term for the period when female sex hormones are at their highest and females are most receptive to mating is "estrus." Estrus refers to a specific phase in the reproductive cycle of many mammals, during which the female exhibits heightened sexual receptivity and fertility. This phase is characterized by increased levels of hormones such as estrogen, which plays a vital role in preparing the body for potential conception. During estrus, females are more likely to engage in mating behaviors, making it a critical time for reproduction in species that have distinct mating seasons or cycles.

The excitement phase, orgasm, and plateau phase are all related to the sexual response cycle but refer to different aspects of sexual function rather than the hormonal fluctuations associated with the reproductive cycle. The excitement phase is an initial stage of sexual arousal, the plateau phase follows as arousal intensifies, and orgasm represents the climax of sexual tension. While these phases are important in the context of sexual interaction, they do not directly denote the specific period of heightened receptivity linked to female hormones, which is what estrus describes.