Voice characteristics associated with polycystic ovary syndrome

To test the assumption that voice is changed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identify changes that occur.

Cross-sectional pilot study.

Thirty patients with PCOS and a control group of 22 age-matched and body mass index-matched healthy women were included. Demographic data, anthropometric measurement, serum androgens, and Voice Handicap Index-10 were determined. Transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy and rigid stroboscopy were performed. Supraglottic hyperfunction was assessed during fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Presence of supraglottic hyperfunction was interpreted as abnormal muscle tension pattern. Glottal closure configuration and vibratory wave characteristics were evaluated via stroboscopy. Acoustic analysis was performed with the Dr. Speech software program version 4 (Tiger DRS Inc., Seattle, WA).

Voice complaints and acoustic parameters were similar between groups, whereas serum androgens were significantly higher in patients (P < 0.001). Laryngeal examination detected pathology in 17 (56.7%) patients and two (9.1%) controls (P < 0.001). Fiberoptic examination determined supraglottic hyperfunction in 11 patients but in only two controls (P = 0.023). In stroboscopy, incomplete glottal closure configuration and impaired vocal fold vibration were present in 10 and 11 patients, respectively, whereas only one control had glottal closure abnormality and none of the controls had abnormal vibration (P = 0.028 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Abnormal muscle tension patterns and impaired vocal fold vibration are frequent among patients with PCOS; but they are not accompanied by increased vocal symptoms or deteriorated acoustic voice parameters. This may be important for professional voice users or in extensive or extraordinary voice use demands in patients with PCOS.

3b. Laryngoscope, 126:2067-2072, 2016.