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Voice changes after androgen therapy for hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Timur Akcam1, Erol Bolu, Albert L Merati
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. takcam@gata.edu.tr
The Laryngoscope
|October 12, 2004
Summary
Males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism have higher vocal pitch. Testosterone treatment lowers vocal pitch in these patients, approaching normal male levels. This study highlights androgen effects on vocal function.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Otolaryngology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) impairs sexual development, including laryngeal masculinization.
- Patients with IHH exhibit altered vocal fundamental frequency (MF0) due to insufficient androgen exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure MF0 in IHH patients.
- To assess the impact of androgen treatment on MF0 in IHH.
- To compare MF0 between IHH patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 24 IHH patients and 30 controls.
- Voice recordings and serum sex hormone levels were measured before and during androgen therapy.
- MF0 and hormone levels were compared within the IHH group and against control groups.
Main Results:
- Untreated IHH patients had an intermediate MF0 (229 Hz) between normal males (150 Hz) and females (256 Hz).
- Androgen treatment significantly decreased MF0 in IHH patients to 173 Hz, approaching normal male levels.
- Serum hormone levels increased with treatment but did not directly correlate with MF0 changes.
Conclusions:
- IHH patients exhibit an intermediate vocal pitch.
- Androgen therapy effectively lowers vocal pitch in IHH patients towards male norms.
- This study demonstrates the significant impact of androgens on laryngeal and vocal function in IHH.