By: William Cuthbert (he/they)
As early as your first few weeks on testosterone, you might notice that speaking feels different. When someone is taking testosterone gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy), the testosterone changes how your voice sounds and feels. T makes it so your larynx grows and tilts and your vocal cords thicken. This happens over a period of time, and takes longer for some people than others.
How low will it go?
If you’re a trans man, boi, nonbinary, FTM, or transmasculine, you might be eager to develop a culturally masc voice. It’s exciting to imagine how you’ll sound. This might make you impatient for the vocal changes to happen, but they’ll take time to become noticeable. Once they do, there’s an extended awkward phase. This period can feel like your voice is rebelling against you.
Like anyone going through a male-associated or testosterone-dominant puberty, your voice will start to break. It may also start shifting with a squeak! When you speak, you might have a sudden jump in pitch. It’s frustrating and uncomfortable at times, but be gentle and patient with yourself. Keep in mind that speaking (and singing, laughing, yelling, cheering, and more!) can and will feel effortless again.
The first signs of vocal changes on T
Change doesn’t necessarily start with being able to hear the beginnings of your deeper voice. At first, it might be as subtle as the sensations of your vocal cords thickening. This is the same development that many people notice during testosterone-dominant puberty. Your throat might be sore or scratchy, as though you had a mild cold. You might even feel a little swollen or tender where the larynx sits behind your Adam’s apple.
Being able to feel the vibration of your vocal cords as you speak is a strange but common experience too. Picture the vocal cords as two bands stretched across your voice box, all changing shape and size. Your breath has to navigate this unsteady path through your larynx in order to carry the sound of your voice. The soreness, squeaky voice and strange sensations all stem from that shifting passageway. They will get less uncomfortable over time.
Coping with vocal changes on T
Hoarse, scratchy, or honking sounds are a sign that you’re physically shifting from the inside out. However, this can be more annoying than joyous. It can be hard if the extent of vocal change doesn’t match the discomfort you’re dealing with, or if you don’t want to sound “masculine.” Bear in mind that while vocal change is a normal effect of T, not everyone will suddenly acquire a buttery basso profundo. If you’ve already been through a “female” or estrogen dominant-puberty, your voice may only go so low. Not all voices will lower to the same extent, but again, everyone’s experience is unique. It is possible to go from a soprano to a baritone!
If you microdose, getting a lower, deeper, or more textured-sounding voice will eventually become part of how T changes you and your body. Though the voice deepens to some degree in everyone who takes testosterone, the full dose of T can create a much bigger drop. This can feel awkward when it’s new, but will feel more comfortable and familiar over time. People who microdose may notice less change, or change that takes longer to develop. As your voice changes, know that you’re going through the same process, over the length of time that’s natural for your body’s response to testosterone.
If you’re not happy with how your voice is changing, or you’re worried that it will never be deep enough to feel gender-affirming, there are ways to encourage it along the right track. You can practice a whole range of vocal techniques on your own, with friends and loved ones, or with your Plume support group to find a low voice that feels right for you. The way you sound will settle, and stay even if you discontinue T. This part of your transition is really special, awkward squeaks and all. Give yourself time spent getting to know your genuine voice.
If you’re interested in microdosing, your Care Team is here to help you navigate your customized care plan. Ready to start? Get in touch and talk to Plume about what you want from your transition.
As the largest provider of gender-affirming care for the trans and nonbinary community, Plume is committed to providing information about many types of information, including questions about hormones like estrogen and testosterone, gender transitioning tips and experiences, and guidance on social transition and self care.
While we strive to include a diverse range of voices and expertise, not everything will be for every person. Each individual’s experience is unique, and the information Plume provides is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always first seek the advice of your primary and/or specialist physician, the Plume Care Team, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, your mental health and emotional needs, or your health care needs regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy. If you are experiencing an emergency, including a mental health crisis, call 911 or reach out to Trans LifeLine.
