Ovarian Antral Follicular Wave Dynamics: Elucidating the Physiology of the Menstrual Cycle and Exploring Clinical Applications

Initial research to characterize ovarian antral follicular dynamics was conducted in domestic farm animal species in the 1980-2000s, as a basis for optimizing assisted reproduction for animal breeding and production. This early research in animals provided a foundation for studies to characterize ovarian follicular development during the human menstrual cycle. Over the past 25 years, ovarian follicular wave dynamics have been characterized in women of reproductive and advanced reproductive age. A comprehensive understanding of ovarian follicular dynamics in women has required the simultaneous and serial evaluation of both ovarian structure and function, using novel ultrasonographic imaging and endocrinologic approaches. Knowledge of ovarian follicular waves in women has provided a new model for understanding the human menstrual cycle, resulting in the development of novel clinical ovarian stimulation protocols which have now been adopted globally. Although significant progress has been made, there is still much that remains unanswered about the physiologic and endocrinologic phenomenae underlying ovarian antral follicular wave dynamics. A greater understanding of the endocrinologic mechanisms underlying antral ovarian follicular waves has the potential to further contribute to the clinical management of disorders across the reproductive lifespan.

This topic aims to explore the current state of knowledge of human ovarian antral follicular wave dynamics, with reference to studies in animals. Emerging research to apply knowledge of antral follicular waves to the management of puberty, menopause, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and oncofertility will be highlighted, with proposed directions for future research.

We would like to suggest that all authors consider using the terms “ovarian follicular waves” somewhere within their manuscript title. The Research Topic will cover but not be limited to the following:

- Antral Ovarian Follicular Wave Dynamics from Reproductive Age to the Perimenopause:
- Repeatability of Ovarian Follicular Wave Dynamics
- The Interplay between Pituitary and Ovarian Hormones: original article based on our AFC AMH paper
- The Role of the Corpus Luteum
- Applications for Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Applications for Understanding Puberty and Identifying Early Risk Factors for Insulin Resistance
- Clinical Applications of Ovarian Follicular Waves for Assisted Reproduction and/or Oncofertility
- Comparative Ovarian Antral Follicular Waves Among Human and Domestic Farm Animal Species