In this blog post, we will scientifically explain why women live longer than men, focusing on genetic factors and hormonal differences.
Today, we are pursuing gender equality and men and women are living in similar environments and conditions. However, according to statistics, the life expectancy of women is 82 years and that of men is 75 years. So, what is the reason why women in most countries live longer than men? The answer to this question can be explained by genetic factors, hormonal differences, and physiological factors.
First, biologically, men and women are distinguished by the difference in their sex chromosomes. One of the reasons why women have a relatively long life expectancy is genetic factors, especially the role of the X chromosome. Women have XX sex chromosomes, while men have XY sex chromosomes. There are about 800 to 900 genes on the X chromosome, and among them, the Sirtuin gene plays an important role in suppressing aging. This protein is produced in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidneys, and it delays the death of aging cells, slowing down the aging process. In addition, a 1985 Stanford University study found that the X chromosome contributes to the repair of DNA damage, which may explain why women’s immune systems are stronger and recover faster than men’s. This is because a woman with two X chromosomes can compensate for the damage to one X chromosome with the other. On the other hand, the Y chromosome in men is 3-6 times more likely to mutate than the X chromosome, making them more susceptible to genetic diseases. This makes men more susceptible to diseases such as muscular dystrophy and hemophilia.
Another factor that affects women’s longevity is hormones. While men produce more testosterone, women secrete more estrogen. Testosterone raises blood pressure in men and produces LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which causes cholesterol to build up in blood vessels. As a result, men are more susceptible to adult diseases such as heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and hypertension. On the other hand, the female hormone estrogen produces HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in the liver and returns LDL to the liver to prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels. Estrogen also helps to keep the immune system stronger in women by producing immunoglobulins.
In addition, estrogen plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis in women. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak due to aging, and it occurs more frequently in women as estrogen levels decrease after menopause. However, estrogen replacement therapy can slow the onset of osteoporosis. This plays an important role in maintaining women’s health and contributes to women’s longevity.
In addition, women’s menstruation is another secret to longevity. Through menstruation, women periodically discharge blood, which keeps the amount of iron in their bodies lower than that of men. The lower the amount of iron, the less toxic oxygen in the body, which helps to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and extend women’s life expectancy. As a study by the University of Minnesota Medical School found that men who donate blood frequently have lower levels of LDL in their bodies, women’s menstruation periodically discharges waste products from the body, which has a positive effect on longevity.
Genetic, hormonal, and physiological factors provide scientific evidence that women can live longer than men. The X chromosome, estrogen, and the reduction of toxic oxygen in the body through menstruation all explain why women can live longer. However, despite these innate advantages, living a healthy and long life ultimately depends on an individual’s own efforts. Only by managing one’s own life through lifestyle habits such as exercise, healthy eating, and quitting smoking will a long life lead to a better quality of life.
