Effect of estrous cycle on runway behavior across weeks for estrus, proestrus and diestrus females. Data for each cycle phase was collapsed across rats for each week. (a) Start latency, females left the start box significantly faster over time. (b) Approach, females approached the goal box significantly faster over trials and estrous had a significant impact on approach time during weeks 1 and 2. (c) Runtime, females took longer to enter the goal box over trials. (d) Retreats, retreats from the goal box increased over trials, proestrus females retreated significantly more than estrus females. *Indicates a significant effect of the estrous cycle for that week, δ indicates a main effect of estrous, γ indicates a main effect of week (Ps < 0.05). Estrus and Diestrus n = 28 for all weeks. Proestrus n = 14 (week-1), N = 15 (week-2) N = 19 (week-3)