Does Testosterone Make Your Voice Deeper?

Testosterone and masculinity often go hand in hand, and one of the most noticeable traits linked to this hormone is a deep voice. If you've ever wondered whether testosterone can change your voice or help you achieve the deeper pitch you desire, you're not alone. 

But what exactly does testosterone do to your voice, and how long does it take to notice a difference? Does testosterone make your voice deeper? 

While it's true that this hormone can cause the vocal cords to thicken and lower your pitch, it's not as simple as black and white. Let's take a look into the nitty-gritty of it.

How Testosterone Affects Your Vocal Cords

Think of your vocal cords as strings on a guitar that vibrate to create the sounds that make up your voice. 

When testosterone enters the picture, it acts like tuning those strings, thickening and lengthening them. These physical changes reduce the frequency of the vibrations, which lowers the pitch of your voice. 

In simple terms, thicker and longer vocal cords produce a deeper sound.

During puberty, testosterone has the most noticeable impact on the voice because the body is still growing and developing. In these years, vocal cords grow rapidly, and the structure of the voice box, or larynx, changes to support a deeper voice. For adults starting testosterone therapy later in life, changes can still happen, but they might not be as dramatic. This is because the vocal cords and larynx are already fully developed, making it harder for testosterone to reshape them significantly. 

However, even subtle deepening can still make a meaningful difference.

What is Voice Masculinization Surgery?

Voice masculinization surgery, or thyroplasty type III, is a gender-affirming procedure that permanently lowers the pitch of your voice. 

By removing a small amount of thyroid cartilage and loosening the vocal cords, the surgery creates a deeper tone. It’s often considered when testosterone therapy and voice training don’t achieve the desired results.

This outpatient procedure typically lasts one to two hours, and recovery involves resting your voice and following care instructions. While it effectively lowers pitch, the surgery carries risks like hoarseness, reduced vocal range, and permanent changes to voice quality. 

For many, it’s a last-resort option that can significantly improve confidence and gender alignment.

Can Testosterone Help with Voice Masculinization?

So, does testosterone make your voice deeper and support masculinization?

The short answer is yes, particularly for transgender men and nonbinary individuals. As testosterone thickens and lengthens the vocal cords, it naturally lowers the pitch of the voice. This process mimics what happens during puberty for people assigned male at birth, resulting in a deeper, more masculine tone.

Voice changes typically begin within the first few months of starting testosterone therapy, with noticeable deepening often occurring between 3 to 6 months. The full extent of these changes may take up to a year or more, depending on individual factors. 

How Can I Permanently Deepen My Voice?

If testosterone therapy doesn’t give you the voice you’re hoping for, don’t worry, there are other options to explore. While hormones can thicken and lengthen the vocal cords, some people may still find their pitch higher than they’d like. 

For these cases, combining testosterone with voice therapy or even considering surgical options can help achieve a more permanent, deeper tone.

Voice therapy, guided by a speech-language pathologist, focuses on training the way you speak. This includes adjusting resonance, intonation, and other vocal qualities to create a deeper, more masculine sound.

For those seeking more dramatic results, voice masculinization surgery is something to be considered. It’s not the first option for most people, but it can be life-changing for those who feel that neither hormones nor therapy have fully aligned their voice with their identity. 

Can Working Out Deepen Your Voice?

The idea that working out can directly deepen your voice is a common misconception. 

Exercise, particularly strength training and weightlifting, can increase testosterone levels in the body. However, the slight boost in testosterone from working out is usually not enough to cause noticeable changes to your voice. The structural thickening and lengthening of vocal cords required for a deeper pitch typically occur from sustained hormonal changes, not short-term testosterone spikes.

That said, physical fitness can improve overall health, including breathing and vocal control. A strong core and proper breathing techniques can enhance the way your voice sounds, giving it more resonance and projection. 

While working out won’t make your voice deeper in the same way testosterone therapy can, it might help you feel more confident in how your voice is expressed.

Will My Voice Go Back if I Stop Taking Testosterone?

One of the most reassuring aspects of testosterone-induced voice changes is that they are typically permanent. Once testosterone thickens and lengthens the vocal cords, these structural changes remain even if you stop taking the hormone. 

This means that the deeper pitch you develop during therapy will not revert to a higher pitch.

However, some minor aspects of vocal quality, such as resonance or control, might shift if testosterone levels drop significantly. This can be managed with voice therapy to maintain consistency. 

For those concerned about stopping testosterone, rest assured that the core changes to your vocal cords will stay, leaving your voice deeper and aligned with your identity.

The Takeaway

So, does testosterone make your voice deeper?

The answer is yes, but the extent of the change depends on various factors like age, biological development, and how long you’ve been on testosterone therapy. Testosterone thickens and lengthens the vocal cords, which lowers the pitch of your voice, creating a deeper, more masculine tone. 

These changes are often permanent and can make a significant difference, especially for those seeking gender affirmation.

However, testosterone therapy may not always provide the results you’re looking for on its own. Options like voice therapy or, in some cases, voice masculinization surgery can help refine or enhance your voice to better match your identity. 

The bottom line? Consult with healthcare providers who can offer personalized guidance and support for your unique journey.

Take Charge of Your Voice and Hormonal Health

Curious about how testosterone impacts your voice or considering voice masculinization options? 

At Craft Men’s Clinic, we specialize in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and personalized care to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're exploring hormonal therapy to deepen your voice or seeking guidance on other aspects of gender-affirming care, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

With our convenient telehealth platform, you can access professional advice and tailored solutions from the comfort of your home. Ready to take the next step toward a more confident and aligned voice? Contact Craft Men’s Clinic today for a consultation and start your journey toward the results you deserve.

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