Across the world, men tend to live shorter lives than women, with studies showing that males, on average, die five to seven years earlier. According to Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, this difference is something healthcare professionals witness regularly, especially in emergency wards where middle-aged men are frequently admitted with heart attacks and strokes. In a recent post on X, the doctor explained several factors that may contribute to men's shorter life expectancy, ranging from hormones and genetics to evolutionary theories that are still being debated. 1. Hormones May Put Men at a Higher Risk According to Dr. Bordoloi, hormones play the biggest role in the lifespan gap between men and women. He explained that estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, offers significant protection to the cardiovascular system. It helps blood vessels remain flexible, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of plaque buildup in arteries. Testosterone, on the other hand, may have the opposite effect by increasing levels of "bad" cholesterol and contributing to the gradual accumulation of arterial plaque, potentially raising the risk of heart disease over time. 2. Genetics Give Women an Advantage The doctor also pointed to genetics as a major factor. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. The X chromosome contains numerous genes involved in cellular repair and immune function.— DocPriyamMD (@DocPriyamMD) If one copy of a gene on a woman's X chromosome is damaged, the second copy may compensate. Men do not have this genetic backup, which could make them more vulnerable to certain diseases and age-related decline.3. Iron Buildup May Affect Long-Term Health Another factor highlighted by Dr. Bordoloi is iron accumulation. Women naturally lose iron through menstruation during their reproductive years. Men, however, continue to store iron throughout their lives. According to the doctor, excess iron can contribute to oxidative stress, a process that may damage cells and tissues over time. This could potentially affect the cardiovascular system and increase wear on the heart muscle.4. The 'Disposable Male' Theory Moving into theories that require more scientific investigation, Dr. Bordoloi discussed what is known as the "disposable male theory." This evolutionary hypothesis suggests that males evolved primarily for activities such as hunting, fighting, and reproduction. Once reproduction occurred, the theory argues that there was less evolutionary pressure to maintain long-term male survival, allowing resources to be directed toward women and children. The doctor noted that this concept remains unproven and requires further research.5. Bigger Bodies May Age Faster Another theory involves body size and growth. Dr. Bordoloi explained that testosterone contributes to larger muscles and greater body mass in men. Some researchers have proposed that larger organisms may experience faster cellular wear and tear, potentially leading to quicker deterioration of internal organs over time. While intriguing, he stressed that this idea has not been conclusively proven and remains an area of ongoing scientific study.Why the Lifespan Gap Matters While biology may play a role, experts also note that lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, stress, and healthcare-seeking behavior can significantly influence life expectancy. Dr. Bordoloi's explanation highlights how a combination of hormonal, genetic, and physiological factors may contribute to men living shorter lives than women, while also pointing to several theories that scientists continue to investigate. The exact reasons behind the longevity gap remain complex, but research continues to shed light on why women generally outlive men across much of the world.