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In males, increased levels of testosterone and DHT during puberty are responsible for the increase in size of the laryngeal cartilages. This increase is accompanied by increased bulk of the laryngeal muscles and ligaments, leading to a drop of about one octave in the pitch of the voice. As the larynx changes in the growing male, the voice breaks occasionally as an adjustment reaction to the changing background.
Androgens deepen the voice and cause irreversible changes.
Although androgens have been shown to increase libido, their use is relatively contraindicated due to the permanent masculinizing effects on the female voice.
What about females?
Thyroid hormones are also known to cause voice disturbances. Thyroid hormones serve to increase the rate of metabolic functions in the body.
When patients have hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), hoarseness and loss of range are common complaints. The mechanism is not known for certain, but it is believed to be related to increased levels of polysaccharides in the vocal folds, leading to increased fluid retention and vocal fold thickening. This thickening is similar to the mechanism by which sex hormones act on the female vocal folds. The vocal fold thickening causes a decreased vibratory capacity and hence a lower frequency production and a sensation of insufficiency. Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function) also can cause hoarseness, usually when it is severe.
The effect of pituitary gland hormones on voice also has been studied. The pituitary gland is involved in the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and oxytocin.
Men typically do not have changes in pitch, but they may complain of a decrease in intensity and range. Decreased levels of FSH and testosterone also may make the male voice less powerful.
Some people may have increased growth hormone release (GH), causing the syndrome of acromegaly. Excess GH causes thickening of the laryngeal cartilages, as well as the thickening of the vocal folds themselves, leading to a drop in voice frequency.
Here is a good example of this
Also, people with excess GH who go on to develop acromegaly may be prone to arytenoid cartilage dislocation. It is clear that the human voice is susceptible to hormonal changes, daily and throughout life. From puberty to senescence, the vocal apparatus is undergoing numerous changes, some of which are quite different in males and females.
Androgens deepen the voice and cause irreversible changes.
Although androgens have been shown to increase libido, their use is relatively contraindicated due to the permanent masculinizing effects on the female voice.
What about females?
The most drastic changes in the female voice occur during menopause, when the levels of estrogen and progesterone fall. In the period immediately after the start of menopause, the level of FSH and LH is very high, continuing to cause ovarian androgen production. Usually, these ovarian steroids are converted to estrogen, especially in women with more peripheral fat stores. Women have excessive peripheral fat prior to menopause, allowing more conversion of androgens to estrogen, preserving the effects of estrogen on the body. Some women however, have less ability to do so and have relatively higher levels of androgen as a result.
Thyroid hormones are also known to cause voice disturbances. Thyroid hormones serve to increase the rate of metabolic functions in the body.
When patients have hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), hoarseness and loss of range are common complaints. The mechanism is not known for certain, but it is believed to be related to increased levels of polysaccharides in the vocal folds, leading to increased fluid retention and vocal fold thickening. This thickening is similar to the mechanism by which sex hormones act on the female vocal folds. The vocal fold thickening causes a decreased vibratory capacity and hence a lower frequency production and a sensation of insufficiency. Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid function) also can cause hoarseness, usually when it is severe.
The effect of pituitary gland hormones on voice also has been studied. The pituitary gland is involved in the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and oxytocin.
Men typically do not have changes in pitch, but they may complain of a decrease in intensity and range. Decreased levels of FSH and testosterone also may make the male voice less powerful.
Some people may have increased growth hormone release (GH), causing the syndrome of acromegaly. Excess GH causes thickening of the laryngeal cartilages, as well as the thickening of the vocal folds themselves, leading to a drop in voice frequency.
Here is a good example of this
Also, people with excess GH who go on to develop acromegaly may be prone to arytenoid cartilage dislocation. It is clear that the human voice is susceptible to hormonal changes, daily and throughout life. From puberty to senescence, the vocal apparatus is undergoing numerous changes, some of which are quite different in males and females.
