The difference in crying frequency between men and women has long been attributed to testosterone. Studies consistently show that adult women cry significantly more often and for longer durations than men, a difference that becomes pronounced after puberty. The hypothesis is that high levels of testosterone in males inhibit crying, while lower levels in females permit it. Understanding this phenomenon requires examining the biological mechanisms of emotional regulation, the physical apparatus of tear production, and the environmental factors that shape emotional expression.
The Role of Testosterone in Emotional Processing
Testosterone, a steroid hormone, powerfully influences the central nervous system, particularly brain regions governing mood and emotional response. It interacts with the limbic system, the origin of emotional reactions, and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in emotional control. Research suggests that testosterone modulates the connectivity between the amygdala, which processes emotions like fear, and the prefrontal cortex.
In adults, higher testosterone levels are associated with altered emotional control, sometimes dampening certain emotional responses. The hormone often promotes approach-related behaviors, which can include a reduced tendency toward vulnerability or overt distress. This neurological influence sets a biological foundation where testosterone may indirectly favor a less emotionally expressive state, potentially contributing to difficulty in shedding tears.
Physiological Differences in Tear Production
Testosterone influences the physical machinery responsible for producing tears, specifically the lacrimal glands. These glands, which secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film, contain androgen receptors, making them a direct target for the hormone. Testosterone acts as a trophic factor, providing supportive nutrition and regulation for the lacrimal glands, thereby increasing their tissue growth and activity.
The hormone also regulates gene expression within the lacrimal gland, impacting its function and overall health. Conversely, blocking androgen receptors can lead to degenerative changes. Tear production is also linked to prolactin, which is typically found at higher concentrations in women and promotes tear production. Testosterone downregulates prolactin receptor genes in the lacrimal gland, suggesting an inverse hormonal relationship that affects the biological capacity for crying.
Scientific Evidence Linking Testosterone and Crying
Observational data supports a direct link between testosterone and crying frequency. Studies show women cry an average of 5.3 times per month, compared to 1.3 times per month for men (defined as anything from moist eyes to full sobs). This difference suggests testosterone acts as an inhibitor of emotional weeping.
Evidence also comes from individuals undergoing hormone manipulation. Men receiving anti-androgen medication to suppress testosterone, often for prostate cancer treatment, have reported an increased tendency to cry. Similarly, transgender women beginning gender-affirming hormone therapy, which lowers testosterone levels, sometimes notice a newly developed ability to cry. This suggests high circulating testosterone actively suppresses the weeping response.
The relationship is complicated by testosterone’s interaction with other emotional cues. Men with lower baseline testosterone tend to express greater sympathy and a stronger desire to respond to infant distress. Additionally, exposure to chemosignals in female emotional tears reduces both sexual arousal and circulating testosterone levels in men. These findings suggest testosterone actively modulates emotional sensitivity and social response related to crying.
The Influence of Sociocultural Factors
While biology establishes a predisposition, the ultimate expression of crying is profoundly shaped by the environment and learned behavior. Sociocultural factors, such as traditional gender roles and cultural norms, provide a powerful context that can suppress or encourage weeping. The cultural expectation summarized by the phrase “boys don’t cry” teaches males from a young age that showing vulnerable emotion is unacceptable.
This social pressure leads many men to adhere to traditional gender roles, correlating with a lower self-reported crying frequency. Crying in males is often perceived as a sign of weakness, leading to negative social interactions and strong motivation to inhibit emotional display. Therefore, the lower crying frequency observed in men results from a complex interplay between biological factors and learned emotional suppression driven by cultural expectations, not solely testosterone’s effect.