The Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Muscle Protein Synthesis

The Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Muscle Protein Synthesis Following Protein Ingestion and Resistance Exercise in Young Women

The combination of dietary protein ingestion and resistance exercise are essential to increase muscle protein synthesis. The vast majority of studies assessing protein intake following resistance exercise in young adults has been conducted exclusively in men or in studies where both men and women are assessed. The increase in muscle mass is thought to be impacted by sex hormones that fluctuate across different phases of the menstrual cycle. However, the effect of menstrual cycle phase on muscle protein synthesis following exercise is not known.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female, aged 18-40 years
• BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m2
• Recreationally active
• Regular menstrual cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking or use of tobacco containing products
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Currently on any form of hormonal contraception
• Post-menopausal
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Diagnosed metabolic/pulmonary/musculoskeletal illness
• Diagnosed cardiovascular disease or hypertension
• Use of medications that may impact protein metabolism or are anti-inflammatory
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Allergy to pomegranate or amino acids
• Injuries that would impact ability to complete study