Eunuchs reveal clues to why women live longer than men

BBC News ^ | 9-24-2012 | James Gallagher

[Renfield]

Castration had a huge effect on the lifespans of Korean men, according to an analysis of hundreds of years of eunuch "family" records.

They lived up to 19 years longer than uncastrated men from the same social class and even outlived members of the royal family.

The researchers believe the findings show male hormones shorten life expectancy.

The study is published in the journal Current Biology.

Castration before puberty prevents the shift from boy to man. One of the scientists involved in the study, Dr Cheol-Koo Lee from Korea University, said: "The records said that eunuchs had some women-like appearances such as no moustache hair, large breasts, big hips and thin high-pitched voice."...

[al baby]

Poor old Abe Vigoda

[Renfield]

I didn’t think of that; perhaps I shouldn’t have posted this.

[martin_fierro]

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