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woman who trek across Antarctica in the first - ever all - female expedition broke more than sex norms — they also wear out the gender myth that , when it comes toextreme endurance exercise , cleaning woman are weaker than men .

Sorry men , that ’s not the case .

Iceberg in the Antarctic

" Our findings incorporate some potentially myth - busting data on the shock of utmost forcible action on women , " lead study author Dr. Robert Gifford , of the University of Edinburgh ’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science , said in a assertion . " We have evidence that with appropriate training and readying , many of the previously reported negative health gist [ of extreme exercise on women ] can be nullify . "

The unexampled findings — lay out today ( Nov. 19 ) at the Society for Endocrinology ’s annual meeting in Glasgow , Scotland — oppose some old research that suggested women feel more negative effects on their hormone and stress grade than man in response to extreme physical activity . [ Men vs. Women : Our Key Physical Differences Explained ]

For example , some study have cover that extreme exertion can suppressfemale reproductive internal secretion , impair bone forte and increase level of stress hormone to a greater degree than in men . But the rationality for these reported difference of opinion were unclear .

Athletic couple weight training in lunge position at health club.

Into the ice

To better understand the effect of utmost endurance on woman , researchers in the new study examine member of theIce Maiden team , a group of six women from the British army who became the first all - distaff team to ski across Antarctica . During the two - month journey ( from November 2017 to January 2018 ) , the womanhood covered more than 1,000 miles ( 1,700 kilometers ) while pulling 170 - pound ( 80 kilograms ) sledges behind them , consort to the BBC . The fair sex faced punic conditions , admit 60 - miles per hour winds and temperatures as humiliated as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit ( minus 40 degree Celsius ) .

Before , during and after the expedition , the researchers monitored several markers of wellness , include indicators of stress , hormone levels , body weight and bone metier .

During the expedition , the woman lost about 20 pounds ( 9 kilo ) of fertile mass each , but they did not fall behind any thin mass , the report find .

Two women, one in diving gear, haul a bag of seafood to shore from the ocean

In summation , markers of metabolic , hormonal andbone healthwere mostly insensible by the trip , and those that did change went back to normal shortly afterward .

The findings demonstrate " pronounced resilience " in hormonal role , accent reaction and bone long suit in woman in reply to extreme endurance exercise , the researchers spell in theirstudy abstract .

The investigator note that the adult female undergo tight training before the expedition , which may have helped mitigate any damaging health effects .

a tired runner kneels on the ground after a race

The researcher plan to further investigate the eccentric of activities and circumstances that contribute to negative health effects because of forcible exertion , and how the effects can be prevented .

" These findings could have important relevance for men and char in arduous or trying employment , where there is concern that they are damaging their health , " Gifford said . " If an appropriate education and nutritional regime is followed , their wellness may be protect . "

to begin with publish onLive skill .

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