How HRT impacts your voice – Will transition affect my singing? – GenderGP

Undergoing HRT causes various desired outcomes, and one of the possible impacts is the changing of your vocal chords, and thus, your voice.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a vital part of the gender transition process for many transgender people. While HRT can bring about significant physical and emotional changes, one aspect that often concerns singers or aspiring musicians is its potential effect on the singing voice.

When transmasculine individuals undergo HRT with testosterone, they often experience a significant change in their voice. The hormone leads to vocal masculinisation, which involves the thickening and lengthening of the vocal cords. This results in a deeper, more traditionally masculine voice. The degree of vocal change varies from person to person.

Singers who transition through testosterone may experience challenges in adapting to their new vocal range. It may take time and effort to retrain their voice and develop new vocal techniques to accommodate the lower pitch. Some singers may lose some of their higher vocal range, but with practice and vocal training, they can still sing and perform effectively. It's important to work with a vocal coach or speech therapist who can help navigate these changes.

For people who are transfeminine and take oestrogen, this hormone primarily affects secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and fat distribution. Unlike testosterone, oestrogen does not have a significant effect on the voice, meaning that there are generally no significant changes to the vocal range.

To preserve your singing voice while on HRT, especially if you're taking testosterone, you can consider the following strategies:

Taking a low dose of testosterone can help preserve your singing voice compared to a full dose. A lower dose of testosterone results in less dramatic changes in vocal pitch and quality. However, it's important to note that individual factors such as genetics and the duration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) still influence the effect of testosterone on the voice. While a lower dose might be less impactful, more is needed to guarantee a complete preservation of the original voice. Vocal training and therapy can still be valuable in adapting to any changes.

The amount of testosterone taken can impact the rate and extent of voice changes. If a lower dose is taken, the changes will be more gradual and subtle, allowing some people to maintain a voice closer to their pre-HRT voice. A full dose, on the other hand, can result in more pronounced changes, leading to a deeper, more traditionally masculine voice. However, the extent of the change can vary significantly from person to person, and even with a lower dose, some may still experience noticeable differences in their voice, though to a lesser degree.

It takes time and practice to adapt to a new vocal range. Transgender people undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be patient with themselves and practice regularly to strengthen their voices and become more comfortable with their new range.

Regular vocal exercises and warm-ups are essential in maintaining vocal health and flexibility. These exercises can help individuals extend their vocal range and improve their vocal control.

Some people may consider voice surgery. These surgical procedures can achieve a more desired vocal pitch and quality. However, surgery is an irreversible step and should be carefully considered.

Here are some common voice surgeries:

Undergoing HRT can have an impact on a person's singing voice. However, transgender people can maintain their singing abilities and continue their passion for music with determination, vocal training, and support. It's important to understand that the effects of HRT on the voice can vary from person to person. Thus, finding what works best for you is a unique and personal journey that may require patience and perseverance. With the right guidance and effort, it is possible to harmonise your voice with your authentic self.

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How HRT impacts your voice - Will transition affect my singing? - GenderGP