Why do women live longer than men: genetics, hormonal differences, and physiology?

Genetic factors, hormonal differences, and physiological characteristics contribute to women’s longer life expectancy than men. The X chromosome, estrogen, menstruation, etc. increase a woman’s immunity and resilience and help her live longer by flushing out waste products.

 

Today, we live in a world of gender equality, where men and women live in similar environments and conditions. However, statistics show that women have a life expectancy of 82 years, while men have a life expectancy of 75 years, so why do women live longer than men in most countries? The answer to this question can be explained by genetic factors, hormonal differences, and physiological factors.
First, biologically, men and women are separated by differences in their sex chromosomes. One of the reasons why women have a relatively longer life expectancy is due to genetics, specifically the role of the X chromosome. Women have XX sex chromosomes, while men have XY sex chromosomes. The X chromosome contains about 800 to 900 genes, and one of them, called Sirtuin, plays an important role in inhibiting aging. This protein is produced in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidneys, and it slows down the aging process by delaying the death of senescent cells. In addition, according to a 1985 Stanford University study, the X chromosome contributes to DNA damage repair, which may explain why women’s immune systems are stronger and repair faster than men’s. This is because women with two X chromosomes can compensate for damage to one X chromosome with the other. Men’s Y chromosomes, on the other hand, are three to six times more likely to mutate than their X chromosomes, making them more susceptible to genetic diseases. This makes men more susceptible to conditions like muscular atrophy and hemophilia.
Another factor that affects longevity in women is hormones. Men produce more testosterone, while women produce more estrogen. Testosterone increases men’s blood pressure and causes LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which causes cholesterol to build up in the blood vessels. As a result, men are more susceptible to adult diseases such as heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. On the other hand, estrogen, a female hormone, helps the liver produce HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and returns LDL to the liver, preventing cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. Estrogen also contributes to the production of immunoglobulins, which helps keep women’s immune systems stronger.
Additionally, estrogen plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis in women. Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones as we age, and it is more common in women after menopause as estrogen declines. However, estrogen replacement therapy can slow the onset of osteoporosis. This plays an important role in maintaining women’s health and contributes to their longevity.
In addition, menstruation is another secret to longevity. Through menstruation, women regularly expel blood, which keeps the iron levels in their bodies lower than in men. Less iron means less toxic oxygen in the body, which helps prevent cell damage from free radicals, which helps women live longer. Menstruation also has a positive impact on longevity, as research from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that men who donate blood frequently have lower levels of LDL in their bodies.
These genetic, hormonal, and physiological factors provide the scientific basis for why women live longer than men. The X chromosome, estrogen, and the reduction of toxic oxygen in the body through menstruation all explain why women live longer. However, despite these innate advantages, living a long and healthy life is ultimately a matter of personal effort. By taking control of your own life through lifestyle habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking, you can ensure that a longer life translates into a better quality of life.