The studies point to a potential role of the female sex hormone oestradial as an anti-stress hormone

Dr Oliver Wolf, University of Dusseldorf

They were asked to memorise a list of words, then required to speak for five minutes before what Dr Wolf called a "grim-looking committee", before being asked to count backwards from 2.043 in steps of 17.

They were then tested on how well they remembered the words.

Men who had higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which is produced during stress, could recall fewer words than those who had lower levels.

The same link was not found in women.

Age difference

Earlier studies by the same team had found the reverse was true in the elderly, with men handling stress better than postmenopausal women.

Dr Wolf, of the University of Dusseldorf said his findings pointed to the importance of the female hormone oestradiol, the main oestrogen produced by a woman's ovaries.

He said that would explain why post-menopausal women - who produce far less oestrogen - dealt less well with stress than younger women.

Dr Wolf said both the studies he had completed: "point toward a potential role of the female sex hormone oestradial as an anti-stress hormone."

New field

Experts attending the conference said the results of Dr Wolf's work drew attention to a new field of science.

Dr Enrico Alleva of Italy's National Health Institute said: "This is the first time that we have seen the result so precisely."

I think this study is a load of rubbish. It doesn't add up as far as I can tell

Professor Stephen Bloom, Imperial College, London

But Stephen Bloom, a stress expert, and professor of medicine at London's Imperial College said: "I think this study is a load of rubbish. It doesn't add up as far as I can tell.

"Stress is not one single thing. There are many different types."

He added: "It is commonly understood, though with very little evidence, that men deal with acute stress, such as a fire better, while women cope better with chronic stress, such as a long period of financial stress, or screaming children."