Hormonal Voice Disorders

Premenstrual Vocal Syndrome is characterized by vocal fatigue, decreasedvocal  range, and loss of certain harmonics.  The syndrome usually starts 4–5 days before menstruation and can cause tissue congestion in the vocal cords (the same way we feel congestion in our breast and pelvic tissues before the menstrual period.)

Hormone changes during the month can also cause a decrease in muscle tone, and can cause voice professionals lose control over sustained notes.

Treatments include vitamins, minerals and medications that help decrease fluid build- up and congestion but avoid tissue drying.  Female hormones may be recommended as well.

Menopausal vocal syndrome is characterized by changes that include vocal fatigue, loss of the high tones and loss of vocal quality.  With menopause, a loss of estrogen occurs, which allows any remaining male hormone (testosterone) to thicken the vocal cords, causing the voice to drop. Without estrogen, the vocal cords become dehydrated, resulting in a husky voice, voice fatigue, and a deterioration of high notes and soft singing.

Treatments includes hormone therapy for some individuals.