WASHINGTON : Scientists have found a possible explanation for why men may have a greater risk than women for more severe symptoms and worse outcomes from COVID-19 regardless of age.The researchers from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the US pointed to female sex hormone estrogen's role in lowering the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) in the heart, which may modulate the severity of COVID-19 in women.The study, published in the journal Current Hypertension Reports, reviewed preclinical data on sex-specific hormone activity, especially estrogen."We know that coronavirus affects the heart and we know that estrogen is protective against cardiovascular disease in women, so the most likely explanation seemed to be hormonal.