The ovulatory shift hypothesis is a theory about how a woman's behavior and preferences change during ovulation.
Every month, a woman’s body goes through a cycle. The first part of the cycle is called the follicular phase, and this is when her body is getting ready to release an egg. When the egg is released, this is called ovulation, and it marks the beginning of the luteal phase. During ovulation, a woman has a higher chance of getting pregnant.
Now, the ovulatory shift hypothesis suggests that during ovulation, a woman's behavior changes to maximize her chances of getting pregnant. For example, she may be more attracted to men who are strong and dominant, because they may be better able to protect her and her potential baby. She may also be more interested in having sex, because this gives her a better chance of getting pregnant.
This theory also suggests that women might prefer different types of men at different points in their cycle. For example, during ovulation, a woman may be more interested in men who have more masculine facial features, such as a strong jawline or prominent brow ridges. This is because these features are thought to be associated with better genes for offspring.
So, in summary, the ovulatory shift hypothesis is a theory that suggests women's behavior changes during ovulation so that they are more likely to find a strong, dominant mate who can protect them and their potential baby, and who has good genes for offspring.