Asari Oestrus Cycle - Mass Effect Term Explained
Oestrus (Natural) -Also called "Heat" - The Oestrus cycle begins upon reaching sexual maturity until reaching Matriarch stage, recurring every 2 years.
They "unfortunately" broadcast their receptive status for mating to anyone who has a nose sensitive enough to smell the pheromones. Symptoms vary from individual to individual, but it can include brighter color variations on the underside of their crest, swelling of reproductive organs, hot flashes, an intense need to mate, enhanced irritability, increased libido, mood swings, & increased desire to meld. After 2 weeks the cycle subsides into dormancy until the next cycle begins either naturally or induced by the Asari themselves. Intensity varies by individual and other factors. An Asari who isn't sexually active or even very interested in sex has been noted to have a much easier cycle.
Mates & highly susceptible people can go into a "sympathetic" or a "reciprocated" heat with the original cycle bearer, when they are especially enticed by the broadcast. “Sympathetic” is felt by any species. “Reciprocated” heat is felt only by other Asari.
Special Notes: Just because an Asari has reached Matriarch does not mean she is no longer able to reproduce, it simply means her cycle has ceased naturally. She may still induce to become pregnant.
Ardat-Yakshi do not have an Oestrus Cycle. Though for their safety, they may maintain a schedule of one. So that they might appear as other asari if it comes up.
Short Cycle Syndrome - Is very unstable. It is kinda terrifying in its intensity. Even with Léaina Elektra's new school of teaching, such a cycle requires a very large number of people to help disperse it effectively, or a few gifted individuals. Such a cycle can be triggered by all sorts of things, a list that is still growing. Including intense moments that get their blood hot or emotions high.
There are shots that could help stabilize SCS patients, but it has a possibility to make the one taking it sterile.
An unknown side effect of SCS management is that if the same ladies always help the same SCS patient, they become bonded to that person, and to each other, like a drug addiction, and need each others company - seeking them out for whatever reason - these affected ones are called a Desire. Each SCS patient has their own desire until they figure out that is happening. ((They haven't figured it out yet in the new story im working on, and it hasn't come up in any other stories yet))
Intermittent Heat - Is the opposite of Short Cycle Syndrome. It is a prolonged period of time between each heat. Each cycle is different for each woman who has this. It has been recorded to be anywhere from three to ten years between cycles. Those with intermittent heat have less success when they “prepare” between cycles. It is not as easy for them to become pregnant, and oftentimes they fail to carry to term without constant supervision from medical staff. While this heat does not match the ferocity of Short Cycle Syndrome, it can has it's difficulties. Most Asari who have it prefer to be on suppressants rather than manage the cycle. But like with any Oestrus drug, there are side effects. Created by BerryShiara
