Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Interpreting human follicular recruitment and antimüllerian hormone concentrations throughout life
Richard Fleming1, Tom W Kelsey, Richard A Anderson
1Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Glasgow, United Kingdom. richard.fleming@GCRM.co.uk
Abstract:
The changes in the relationships between circulating antimüllerian hormone, the size of the primordial follicle pool, and follicular recruitment before and through the reproductive years have now been clarified, and show dynamic changes through sexual development. The constant relationship between the number of follicles and circulating antimüllerian hormone exists only after the age of 25 years, implying that the association between follicular recruitment and follicular survival to the later stages of development is not constant across the reproductive life course. This commentary assesses the factors that may underlie these relationships and their clinical implications for reproductive health.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Folliculogenesis
Oogenesis
Ovarian Cycle
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
