The Irish Potato Famine, the enslavement in Trinidad, and measles epidemics in Iceland share a notable commonality: in extreme conditions, women tend to outlive men. This phenomenon is explored in CNN’s research for the book “The Stronger Sex,” which delves into the resilience of female bodies. Despite their complex reproductive systems and the challenges associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth, women generally demonstrate greater longevity than men, even in settings where resources, such as food and medical care, are scarce.
Research led by Virginia Zarulli, a demography professor at Italy’s University of Padua, highlights that across various historical populations facing famine, epidemics, and enslavement, women consistently outlived men of all ages. Newborn girls in these stressful environments exhibited a higher survival rate than boys, suggesting biological underpinnings for this female survival advantage.
Contemporary studies reinforce this trend, showing that death rates for men surpass those of women at nearly every age. This difference underlines how understanding biological variations can enhance healthcare, particularly regarding cancer treatments and vaccine protocols, ultimately leading to more personalised medical care.
Biologically, people assigned female at birth possess two X chromosomes, which house significantly more genes than the Y chromosome carried by males. This genetic advantage translates into a more diverse and robust immune system. Dr. Sharon Moalem, in his book “The Better Half,” points out that women have evolved immunologically to better adapt to viral changes, while higher estrogen levels further empower their immune responses.
Women’s immune systems are generally more capable of fighting infections and retaining memories from previous exposures, resulting in stronger responses to vaccines and lower risks of infections and certain cancers. However, this robustness may come at a cost, as women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
Testosterone, conversely, appears to present an immune disadvantage. Studies indicate that male immunity can improve if testosterone levels are reduced, suggesting a link between male hormones and the predisposition to diseases. Cultural and lifestyle choices also contribute significantly to the observed longevity gap, with men generally engaging in riskier behaviours and unhealthy habits.
Recent research has uncovered anatomical differences that may enhance female resilience. A study measuring small intestine lengths revealed that women possess longer intestines, which allow for better nutrient absorption, crucial for reproduction and nursing. This insight supports the “Female Buffering Hypothesis,” which posits that women’s biology has evolved to withstand various environmental stresses more effectively.
As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of female physiology, these findings promise to inform healthcare strategies, ultimately benefiting all individuals. Understanding these biological differences is essential in shaping future medical practices and optimising treatment outcomes.