
Voice is a window into health. The sound, pitch, and tone of your voice provides clues regarding what’s happening inside your body, reflecting both short-term conditions and long-term health changes.
you sound Pregnant!
Hormones affect speech and sound, experts can tell this. Baby boys and baby girls sound alike. During puberty the first voice changes evolve, women becoming higher in pitch; male voices move towards baritone. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations change the voice. Experienced voice experts diagnose pregnancy just by listening to you! Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to swelling in the vocal cords, making the voice sound deeper or more hoarse. Blood volume also increases during pregnancy, and fluid retention in the vocal folds. Fluid expansion of pregnancy leading to a “muffled” or “thicker” voice. Voice changes continue in breastfeeding due to persistent hormone levels. Breastfeeding and pregnancy women sound softer and have a more breathy voice.
Sinusitis
The slightest twinge of nasal sounding pitch signals bacterial or viral infection of the sinuses developing. Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can cause congestion and postnasal drip, impacting the voice. The voice often sounds nasally or muffled because of the excess mucus production and swollen tissues blocking normal airflow. This condition can also make speaking feel like a strain, and in severe cases, may result in temporary voice loss.
Testosterone Therapy in Menopause
Testosterone thickens vocal cords, which makes them vibrate more slowly and produce a lower pitch. While this therapy is commonly used to treat low testosterone, or by transgender individuals, in some women deepens the voice. Androgens used for undergoing gender transition, it can also lead to a rough or uneven voice if the vocal cords thicken irregularly.
Voice Changes Can Mean Your Body is struggling with Breast Cancer Treatment
Aromatase inhibitors, used in hormone therapy for breast cancer patients, reduce estrogens levels in the body. Estrogen lowering thins mucous membranes, including those of the vocal cords. This can make the voice sound hoarser or less resonant. If on aromatase therapy you notice a loss of vocal range or a higher pitch, you may have drying effect on the vocal tissues. Hydration and supplements might revers this.
voice changes mean you are dehydrated
When the body is dehydrated, the vocal cords don’t receive the necessary lubrication from the thin layer of mucus that normally coats them. This can result in a dry, raspy voice. Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy voice, as water helps to keep the vocal cords supple and vibrating smoothly.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD can have a significant impact on the voice. Acid reflux irritates the lining of the throat and larynx, causing hoarseness, a raspy sound, and the sensation of having a lump in the throat. This condition is sometimes called “silent reflux” because the acid can damage the vocal cords even if you don’t feel heartburn. Voice changes due to GERD are often worse in the morning, as acid can back up into the throat while lying down during sleep.
Menopause
During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels can cause a thinning of the vocal cords, leading to a change in voice quality. Many women notice a lower pitch or a more breathy sound. The loss of elasticity in the vocal cords can make it harder to reach higher notes, and the voice may become less steady or sound fatigued more quickly.
Voice Deepening signals aging
As people age, their voices naturally tend to lower in pitch. This is due to changes in the vocal cords, which may become thinner, weaker, and less elastic over time. Additionally, age-related changes in lung capacity and muscle tone can contribute to a softer, breathier voice.
You are smoking and vaping too much!
Smoking can profoundly affect the voice. The heat and chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate the vocal cords, causing them to swell and become less flexible. Over time, the continuous exposure to smoke causes a buildup of thick mucus and leads to the development of nodules or polyps, resulting in a deep, raspy, or hoarse voice.
Moreover, the “gel” or thin mucous layer on the vocal cords, essential for smooth vibration and clear sound, can be damaged by smoking. This gel can be “removed” or degraded, causing the voice to sound rough and uneven. While quitting smoking can improve vocal quality, some changes, particularly those caused by long-term smoking, may be permanent due to the damage to the vocal cords and surrounding tissues.
Conclusion
Voices reveal overall health. Changes in pitch and tone reflects temporary conditions and long-term changes in your body. Any persistent changes, such as hoarseness, loss of range, or unexplained deepening of your voice, Remember, a healthy lifestyle, including staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and managing medical conditions effectively, can help maintain your voice’s health and quality for years to come. Understanding what your voice is telling you allows steps to keep your body and voice in optimal condition. Let us help!