Scientists say there is some evidence that arduous physical activity can suppress normal female reproductive hormone activity, impair bone strength and elevate stress hormone levels to a greater extent than in men.

But tests on the first all-female team to cross the Antarctic showed that these can be avoided with the right preparation and training.

The Ice Maiden team were all serving in the British Army or Army Reserve when in January they followed in the footsteps of Felicity Aston’s record-breaking solo Antarctic crossing in 2012.

They endured 62 days on the ice, travelling 1,050 miles while battling temperatures as low as –40C (–40F) and pulling sledges weighing up to 13 stone.