Effect of Hormonal Replacement Therapy on Voice

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• Menopause is associated with various physiological changes, including potential effects on vocal function.
• Hormonal therapy (HRT) is commonly used to manage menopausal symptoms, but its impact on voice requires further investigation.
• Body mass index (BMI) is a potential confounding factor in studies of hormonal changes and vocal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of hormonal therapy (HRT) on the voice characteristics of menopausal women.
• To assess the role of body mass index (BMI) as a potential confounder or substitute for HRT in vocal changes.
• To identify specific vocal symptoms and acoustic parameters affected by HRT in this population.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 53 menopausal women, categorized into HRT (n=19) and non-HRT (n=34) groups.
• Collected demographic data including age, gender, smoking status, and BMI.
• Assessed vocal symptoms, performed acoustic analysis, and administered the Voice Handicap Index-10.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Voice Handicap Index-10 scores or prevalence of vocal symptoms between HRT and non-HRT groups.
• Menopausal women on HRT demonstrated a significantly higher habitual pitch compared to those not on HRT (p=0.022).
• Acoustic analysis revealed significantly higher jitter values in women using HRT (p=0.033).

Conclusions:

• Hormonal therapy significantly impacts habitual pitch in menopausal women, independent of comparable BMI.
• HRT is associated with a higher habitual vocal pitch and increased jitter in menopausal women.
• Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms linking HRT, BMI, and vocal changes.