In women, a lack of follicle stimulating hormone leads to incomplete development at puberty and poor ovarian function (ovarian failure). In this situation ovarian follicles do not grow properly and do not release an egg, thus leading to infertility.

Why are my follicles not growing?

In polycystic ovary syndrome, abnormal hormone levels prevent follicles from growing and maturing to release egg cells. Instead, these immature follicles accumulate in the ovaries. Affected women can have 12 or more of these follicles. The number of these follicles usually decreases with age.

What happens if follicles don't mature?

Several follicles will begin to develop with each cycle, but generally just one of them will release an oocyte. The follicles that don't release an egg disintegrate. This process is known as atresia, and can actually happen at any stage during the follicle's development.