Menstrual Cycle Phase and Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Use on Muscle Protein Synthesis

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy females, between the ages of 18 and 30 y with a regular menstrual cycle * Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m2 * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * A history of neuromuscular disorders or muscle/bone wasting diseases * Any acute or chronic illness, cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, insulin-dependent or insulin-independent diabetes, or the presence of any other metabolic disease - all of which will be determined via a medical history screening questionnaire * The use of any medications known to affect protein metabolism (glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or prescription strength acne medication, etc.) * A (family) history of thrombosis * The use of anticoagulant medications * Consumption of tobacco-containing products * Excessive alcohol consumption (\>21 units/wk) * History of bleeding diathesis, platelet or coagulation disorders * Currently pregnant * Irregular menstrual cycle as defined in the study protocol