Voice changes, Endometriosis & Drugs

Voice changes, Endometriosis & Drugs

Man vocal cords? Here we have a look at how irreversible damage caused by medical drugs can occur to your vocal cords, and leave you sounding like a man forever!

Voice changes in women treated for endometriosis and related conditions:
The need for comprehensive vocal assessment

Moya A. Pattie, Bruce E. Murdoch, Deborah Theodoros, Kevin Forbes*

 

Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology,University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia

*Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia

Summary

Hormonal treatments which have an androgenic effect have the potential to cause vocal changes. The changes in vocal fold structure and voice quality are considered to be irreversible. To date, studies have documented subjective vocal changes or documented single cases without detailed, baseline voice assessments. The impact on laryngeal function of women taking these androgenic treatments requires further detailed, objective assessment. The need for increased awareness of the actions of androgenic hormones on women’s’ voices, and the benefits of a thorough voice assessment are discussed. (paid journal article, cannot be displayed)