Crying occurs for a variety of reasons, from a bad day at work to a bad breakup or grieving. Crying, however, can sometimes have a positive effect on the body. William Frey, a professor at the University of Minnesota, says that crying is a response to chemical buildup from emotional stress, and our tears help get rid of the chemicals. Crying may lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, but whether crying affects testosterone levels has not been confirmed.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for the development of male sex and reproductive organs. It also helps maintain bone density, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production, according to mayoclinic.com. As men age, testosterone decreases, especially after age 50. Healthcommunities.com reports a 50 to 80 decrease from your peak testosterone level by the age of 80.
Deficiency
Although testosterone decreases naturally with age, there are other lifestyle factors and variables that may affect its levels. Healthcommunities.com lists chemotherapy, head trauma, infection, radiation therapy, testicular trauma and tumors as specific causes of decreased testosterone. It also reports that men with obesity, hypertension and diabetes have lower levels of the hormone as well. An article in Fitness Spotlight reported that eating soy products, adopting a low-fat diet, heavy drinking, smoking and lack of sleep all reduce testosterone levels. The effect of crying on testosterone levels was not mentioned in either report.
Symptoms
Having low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can appear with or without symptoms. Those with symptoms, according to mayoclinic.com, see changes in sexual function, such as reduced desire and fewer erections. Changes in sleep patterns, insomnia, hair loss, reduced muscle and increased body fat may also occur. The symptoms related to crying are emotional changes that could occur with decreased testosterone: lack of motivation, lack of self-confidence and feelings of sadness or depression.
Crying
Crying happens for several reasons and sometimes for the most mysterious of reasons. Our body's response to whatever triggered the tears is probably related to the body's ability to shift into survival mode. Professor Frey believes that crying can relieve stress. Unalleviated stress can increase the risk for heart attack and damage the brain, so crying may be preventative. It is our natural way to control the stress hormone cortisol.
Conclusion
If your testosterone levels are already low, you may find yourself crying when you are sad or depressed, although it is unlikely that crying itself lowers your testosterone levels. More serious conditions in your body or poor lifestyle habits are probably the culprits. A blood test, says mayoclinic.com, is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level and determine what is causing it.
