It’s no surprise that women cry more than men. It’s in their nature -- with hormones playing a part in why women cry. Studies show that women have significantly more prolactin than men -- 60 percent, to be exact. This is the reproductive hormone responsible for producing milk after childbirth -- and emotional tears have been found to contain high levels of prolactin. Conversely, male testosterone levels can halt crying.
In truth, crying is a healthy thing. Not only can it elevate moods, but it also can release bacteria from the body. And it can help us to process difficult and painful issues.
Following are four reasons why it’s healthy to cry -- and how to have a good cry in a productive manner.