Estrous and menstrual cycle are two types of cycles, that occur in female mammals. Both cycles begin after sexual maturity in females. Reproductive hormones induce these cycles in females. These cycles happen in order to prepare female mammals, for holding a child during pregnancy.
The primary difference between estrous and menstrual cycles is -
1
The endometrium shed by the uterus, during the estrous cycle, is reabsorbed, but the shed endometrium is excreted from the body, during the menstrual cycles.
2
Behavioural changes, during estrous cycles are much less pronounced effects, on estrous cycle, than they do on menstrual cycles.
3
Season and climate have less pronounced effects on estrous cycle, than they do on menstrual cycles.
4
Most estrous cycles are of much longer duration, compared to menstrual cycles.