We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

As winter transitions into warmer summer months, many people notice a sudden worsening of dandruff. During colder months, dandruff often appears as dry, fine flakes due to scalp dryness. However, as temperatures rise and humidity increases, dandruff can become oily and sticky because of increased sweating and sebum production. This seasonal shift highlights that dandruff is not limited to a particular time of year; rather, changes in climate can disrupt scalp balance and trigger flare-ups. Dr. Anupriya Goel, MBBS, MD, DPD (UK) – Dermatology, answered this for us.

Why does dandruff recur?

Many people struggle to understand why dandruff keeps recurring. It is often treated as a temporary cosmetic concern, but in reality, dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that requires consistent care and appropriate treatment. The primary cause of dandruff is a yeast called Malassezia globosa, which naturally resides on the scalp. This microorganism feeds on sebum (the natural oils produced by the scalp). As it breaks down these oils, it releases by-products that can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation, itching, and visible flaking.

Seasonal factors further aggravate this process. In winter, cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers can strip the scalp of its natural moisture and weaken the skin barrier, resulting in dryness and flaking. In contrast, summer brings increased sweat and oil production. The combination of humidity, sweat, and sebum creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to multiply, which can worsen dandruff symptoms.

Read here: Simple Secrets To Establishing The Right Winter Hair Care Routine

What are the external factors responsible for dandruff?

Environmental factors such as pollution can also settle on the scalp and contribute to irritation. In addition, daily habits like wearing helmets for long hours, tying up damp hair, or not cleansing the scalp regularly can further disrupt scalp health. The transition period between seasons is often the most challenging, as the scalp has limited time to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Because dandruff is often mistaken for a temporary issue, many people rely on occasional treatments or home remedies. However, effective management typically requires regular scalp-focused care using clinically proven active ingredients.

Treating dandruff

One such ingredient commonly used in anti-dandruff formulations is Piroctone Olamine, an antifungal agent that helps control the growth of Malassezia on the scalp. By reducing fungal proliferation, it helps address the underlying cause of dandruff and can assist in decreasing flaking, itching, and scalp irritation. It also helps cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil and buildup while being relatively gentle on the hair and scalp.

Read more: 7 Ayurvedic Hair Health Tips You Should Try For Healthy Locks

For optimal results, individuals experiencing recurrent dandruff may benefit from incorporating an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Piroctone Olamine into their regular hair care routine. Consistent use is important for maintaining scalp balance. During periods of increased sweating, such as in hot and humid weather, washing frequency may be increased as needed. Maintaining hygiene practices such as regularly cleaning helmets, pillowcases, and hair accessories can also help minimise recurrence.

In addition to controlling dandruff, well-formulated shampoos containing Piroctone Olamine are often combined with conditioning and moisturising ingredients that help maintain hair softness and scalp comfort while supporting long-term scalp balance.

Autism in women is not often entirely recognized because this disorder does not always have to correspond to the “classic” picture characteristic of males.

The diagnosis is based on a male criterion with such behavior as obvious withdrawal from a group, overtly displayed repetitive behaviour, and limited interests. There can be mild social deficit or internalized anger and frustration that can pass unnoticed in clinical practice.

The Art of Masking

One of the most significant reasons behind underdiagnosis is masking (also called camouflaging). Masking is one of the most significant reasons for underdiagnosis. This is helpful in masking but also covers or conceals essential symptoms.

Masking causes mental exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout, but it does not address the underlying autism and leaves it undiagnosed.

Stereotypes And Gender Bias

There is a strong societal stereotype that autism is a “male condition”. This bias is felt by parents, teachers, as well as health care professionals.

Sex bias is evident in that boys get referred for evaluation early. Girls are often tagged “shy,” “sensitive,” and “introverted.”

Their struggles are normalized instead of being explored for any issues. Gender bias is a significant contributor to delayed or wrong diagnosis.

Different Interests, Less Suspicion

A restricted interest is another hallmark of autism, but in women, it tends to be more socially acceptable. Their interests conform to the norms of society; they do not predispose clinical suspicion as opposed to more masculine interests like mechanical systems or numbers.

Overlap With Other Conditions

Autism in women being misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders is due to symptom comorbidity. Some of the common misdiagnoses are:

• anxiety disorders,
• major depressive disorder,
• borderline personality disorder,
• eating disorders.

In many cases, these are secondary to autism as a result of years of living with undiagnosed autism.

Social Expectations And Conditioning

From an early age, girls are often conditioned to be socially attentive, empathetic, and compliant. This societal conditioning pushes autistic girls to adapt and hide their difficulties.

These may include forcing themselves into socializing. Fitting in is deemed more important than comfort. They end up creating coping mechanisms that mask their difficulties.

While this may benefit outward functioning, it postpones the recognition of underlying neurodevelopmental differences.

The Consequences of Late Diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis has the following effects:

• Chronic mental illness
• Low self-esteem
• Confusion about identity
• Inadequate support services

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide suffer from endometriosis.

The chronic and complex menstrual disease that affects many women is characterized by severe pain during menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain (pain that does not go away when the menstrual cycle ends), infertility, and abdominal bloating and nausea.

The incurable condition poses a significant challenge to women as it affects their personal and professional lives, relationships, and fertility, among others, due to persistent pain and fatigue.

The diagnosis also gets delayed, as endometriosis is often confused with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, due to some overlapping symptoms like irregular menstrual periods. The symptoms may continue to persist or recur after treatment is initiated.

In a powerful statement resonating with millions worldwide, Indian American author and television host Padma Lakshmi has shared her experience with the condition.

Opening about her personal battle with endometriosis, the 55-year-old, Co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America, said that the condition made her understand how strong she is and called for greater awareness and self-advocacy among women.

"Endometriosis has taught me that I should always listen to my body. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong,” said Lakshmi, in a media post on social media platform Instagram.

"Through my struggles with endometriosis, I've learned that, actually, I have a very high threshold for pain, that I may be stronger than I know, but that I shouldn't always need to be,” PopSugar quoted her as saying.

Lakshmi noted that it is now her life's mission "to advocate for my own health, and also to advocate for all women with endometriosis."

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissues commonly develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining.

Endometriosis affects many women and can impact their daily lives, including their ability to work comfortably. Many women continue their professional responsibilities despite experiencing severe discomfort, fatigue, and pain.

Raising awareness about the condition and encouraging supportive workplaces can help women manage both their health and career more effectively.

Since it is a progressive disorder, timely intervention remains key to managing it. In many cases, women live with symptoms for several years before receiving the correct diagnosis, which can delay treatment and affect their quality of life.

Treating Endometriosis

Treatment is particularly based on the severity of symptoms. Women will be advised lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce discomfort.

Hormonal therapies may also be used to control symptoms. Some women will be advised to undergo laparoscopy to remove endometriotic cysts.

Minimally invasive surgery can help remove lesions and restore pelvic anatomy, which may also improve fertility in some cases. In advanced cases, surgery can be recommended to women.