Research Studies

Generally healthy premenopausal (ages 18-55 years) and postmenopausal women (ages 45-55) years of all races/ethnicities will be enrolled. 1. Premenopausal women will have regular menstrual periods (every 21-35 days). 2. Postmenopausal women will have gone through natural (i.e., non-surgical) menopause with the final menstrual period occurring less than 6 years ago.

Exclusion criteria: 1. Medications to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease 2. Use of menopausal therapy or oral contraceptives 3. Currently pregnant or intending to become pregnant 4. Smoking