In July 2003, University of Saskatchewan researchers announced they had discovered “follicular waves” in the human menstrual cycle. The research found that this process occurs in waves: in response to hormone surges, women experience two to three periods of follicular development each month, although only one egg is selected for ovulation.

The follicular wave phenomenon in women provided a new model for ovarian function during the menstrual cycle and will improve our understanding of the ovarian response to fertility and hormonal contraceptive regimens.