Voice Changes in Reproductive Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes: A Review
March 2022
in “
Endocrine connections
”
reproductive disorders thyroid disorders type 2 diabetes voice changes laryngeal receptors sex hormones thyroid hormones endocrinopathies microvasculature complications diabetes mellitus vocal apparatus Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia hypothyroidism thyroidectomy-related hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism thyroiditis PCOS CAH diabetes thyroidectomy
TLDR People with reproductive, thyroid disorders, and type 2 diabetes can experience voice changes, but more research is needed to understand this better.
This review analyzed 16 research papers from 2008 to 2021 on voice changes in individuals with reproductive disorders, thyroid disorders, and type 2 diabetes. The studies showed some voice changes in all mentioned conditions, but the specific affected vocal parameters often differed. This inconsistency might be due to non-homogeneous methodology designs. The review also found laryngeal receptors for sex hormones and thyroid hormones, supporting the hypothesis of voice changes due to endocrinopathies. Microvasculature complications of diabetes mellitus can also impair vocal apparatus function. Studies showed voice changes in individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, and thyroidectomy-related hypothyroidism. Results for hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and type 2 diabetes were mixed. The review suggests further research with standardized methodologies and questionnaires for symptom self-reporting to better understand and support patients experiencing voice changes due to these conditions.
