Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is the first half of the menstrual cycle, beginning on day 1 of menstruation and ending with ovulation, during which follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) prompts several ovarian follicles to develop and one dominant follicle to mature for egg release. In women with PCOS, the follicular phase is often prolonged and disrupted because low FSH levels relative to elevated LH fail to support normal follicle maturation, causing multiple follicles to begin developing but none to reach the dominant stage required for ovulation. Understanding the follicular phase is important for PCOS management because fertility treatments and cycle-tracking strategies specifically target this phase to encourage healthy follicle development and successful ovulation.