The voice and the hormones (part 2)
In women, the voice is sensitive to the variation in hormones throughout the life cycle, with greater emphasis on the pre-menstrual, menstrual and menopause cycles. Due to the hormonal receptors found in the larynx, some authors consider the larynx a secondary sexual organ.
In transgender people and more specifically when transitioning from female to male, due to hormonal treatment with testosterone it is possible to masculinize the voice, whereas the opposite, male to female, hormonal treatment is not possible to feminineize the voice but it is possible through surgical techniques. , with vocal therapy and knowledge of vocal techniques being a great complementary tool and in my practice with great results, when properly applied.
The aging of the voice is called presbyphonia, which results from anatomical and physiological changes, resulting in vocal fatigue, tremor, instability, among many other symptoms. It is a problem that is often forgotten among us, by health professionals and even by the elderly themselves, and with greater life expectancy this issue increases significantly, and can lead to social isolation due to avoiding public speaking. Its prevention through singing lessons, vocal technique or speech in a group or individually is a great help. In my practice, there are countless cases of improvement in both voice quality and general well-being, as there are many songs, poems or texts that remind us of good memories and when shared in a group, even better.
Studies show that vocal training for singers improves vocal quality and delays these types of changes by several years.
Last but not least, the issue of tobacco, which is a global public health problem in which women emerge as the main target of the tobacco industry due to socio-professional changes in recent decades. There are countless harms that come from the so-called “cigarette with coffee”, from cancer to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, among many others. With this enemy, problems associated with the voice also increase, especially at the level of the larynx and vocal cords.
Problems in women are eventually more evident, with greater susceptibility associated with gender, so we should all be very alert and help promote a healthier and smoke-free life, which is even more relevant for singers and speakers.
By your voice - don't smoke!!!
Referências:
Rodrigues Ana Claudi Furão. http://hdl.handle.net/10451/43577
Pais, Francisca Correia http://hdl.handle.net/10451/47785
Amorim Joana Gomes http://hdl.handle.net/10451/24056
