Hormones are commonly used to manipulate the estrous cycle. The major indications for hormonal control of estrus are to induce luteolysis, induce ovulation of a mature follicle, suppress estrus, induce cyclicity in anestrous animals, and superovulate cyclic animals. Effective treatments for these manipulations vary among species. A number of treatments currently lack regulatory approval; label instructions should be followed.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Steven P. Brinsko, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT