Why does the voice change?

Why the Voice Changes: Reasons and Mechanisms

The voice is one of the most recognizable characteristics of a person. It can be low and deep, high and thin, and not only reflects our mood and emotions, but also speaks about our age and gender. Changes in voice are often observed during adolescence as boys and girls begin to transition into adulthood. In this article we will look at the reasons and mechanisms why the voice changes in adolescents.

Gender and vocal cords

Before we begin, it is important to understand that men and women have different vocal cords. Men have longer and thicker vocal cords than women, resulting in a lower, deeper voice. Women have a higher and thinner voice because their vocal cords are shorter and thinner.

Voice changes in teenagers

Teenagers begin to experience many changes in their bodies and development during adolescence. One of the most noticeable and important changes is the change in voice. Boys' voices become deeper and lower, while girls' voices become higher and thinner.

Why is this happening? The answer to this question is related to the development of the vocal cords and sex hormones. During adolescence, the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain, begins to produce hormones that stimulate the development of sexual characteristics. In boys, this leads to an increase in testosterone levels, the main male sex hormone. Testosterone stimulates the growth and development of the vocal cords, making them longer and thicker, resulting in a lower, deeper voice.

In girls during adolescence, the level of estrogen, the main female sex hormone, also begins to rise. This leads to changes in the shape and size of the larynx, which in turn affects the voice. Girls' vocal cords do not develop as quickly as boys', so their voice remains higher and thinner.

Conclusion

Voice change is a natural process that occurs in adolescents during the transition period from childhood to adulthood. Boys' voices become lower and deeper, while girls' voices become higher and thinner. These changes are related to the development of the vocal cords and the levels of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Although changing their voice can be uncomfortable or even unpleasant for teenagers, it is a natural developmental process that helps them transition into adulthood and become productive members of society. If you notice a change in your child's or yourself's voice, don't worry, this is normal and will go away over time.