Can Testosterone Negatively Affect Your Voice?
Transgender and non binary people who are interested in masculinizing their voice, often turn to testosterone via hormone therapy for help.
Testosterone after all is a powerful hormone.
And depending on the dose and route of administration, it is often able to produce masculinizing changes relatively quickly.
For voice, treatment with testosterone thickens the vocal folds (cords), resulting in lower pitch due to a slower rate of vocal fold vibration (Poretsky., et al., 2019).
These effects are similar to the results of hormonal changes in the male voice at puberty and are irreversible, even if testosterone therapy stops.
The time it take for the voice to masculinize varies drastically based on individuals.
Studies conducted on length of time before voice changes demonstrated just how varied the results are.
One study reported a lowering of pitch within 6-10 weeks after hormone treatment was started (Gooren, 2005).
A study collecting voice data for 50 trans masculine participants for 2 years concluded that the decrease in frequency was complete within 12 month of testosterone treatment (Nygren et al., 2016).
While another study noted varied changes in fundamental frequency decreased within 3 months, 6 months, and a 12 months period (Van Borsel et al., 2000).
These studies, while exhibiting limitations in the number of participants and follow ups, demonstrate variance in the time it takes for testosterone to have an effect on voice.
While time for changes to take place can differ, the results are often welcomed and even anticipated.
But what about the negative effect testosterone can have on your voice?
Turns out studies have demonstrated that while testosterone changes pitch, it also has an effect on other parameters of voice and its effects on vocal function can be negative (Hancock et al., 2017, Azul, D., 2015).
A condition described by one study as “entrapped FtM vocality” (Adler et al., 2012).
Entrapped FtM Vocality occurs when a vocal fold mass increases through testosterone treatment, but the size fo the vocal tract is not affected (Poretsky, 2019).
Which may in some individuals, lead to more feminine resonance patterns than a typical cismale (Poretsky., et al., 2019).
Resulting in a voice that sounds rough or hoarse.
Occurrence of “entrapped FtM vocality” appears to be rare, however it is still a possibility.
And while testosterone hormone therapy often produces desirable results for many individuals, it is important to keep in mind other ways to change the voice.
Such as voice training with a voice therapist or laryngeal surgery.
If you are interested in seeking the support of a voice therapist, keep in mind it is important to get help of a licensed practitioner in order to avoid potentially harming your voice. You can find a list of licensed voice therapists listed on my transgender resource page.
You will also find the following blog posts and videos helpful:
What are Reversible and Irreversible Changes when Masculinizing with Testosterone?
What are 5 Main Procedures in Facial Masculinization Surgery?
WATCH EXPERT VIDEOS ON GENDER DYSPHORIA
REFERENCES & SOURCES
Adler RK., Constansis AN., Van Borsel J. (2012). Female-to-male transgender/transsexual considerations. In: Adler RK., Hirsch S., Mordaunt M., editors. Voice and communication therapy for the transgender/transsexual client a comprehensive clinical guide. 2nd ed. San Diego: Plural: p.154-85.
Azul D. (2015). Transmasculine people’s vocal situations; a critical review of gender-related discourses and empirical data. International Journal of Language, Communication, Disorders. 50(1):31-47.
Gooren L. (2005). Hormone treatment of the adult transsexual patient. Hormone Res. 64 31-6.
Hancock AB., Childs KD., Irwig MS. (2017). Trans male voice in the first year of testosterone therapy: make no assumptions. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 60(9):2472-82.
Nygren U., Nordenskjold A., Arver S., Sodersten, M. (2016). Effects of voice fundamental frequency and satisfaction with voice in trans men during testosterone treatment - a longitudinal study. Journal of Voice. 22(6):766.e23-24.
Protesky L., Hembree C. editors. Transgender Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach. (2019). Humana Press, Switzerland.
Van Borsel J., De Cuypere G., Rubens R., Destaerke B. (2000). Voice problems in female-to-male transsexuals. International Journal of Language, Communication, Disorders. 35(3):427-42.
