Sex Hormone Receptor Expression in the Human Vocal Fold Subunits

A Tutorial of the Effects of Sex Hormones on Laryngeal Senescence and Neuromuscular Response to Exercise

“…For both men and women, hormonal changes are associated with vocal changes, which are most prominent during periods of chronic changes in the sex hormone levels (such as during menopause), and likely partially mediated by the concentration of circulating hormones (Kirgezen, Sunter, Yigit, & Huq, 2017). The vocal fold contains estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors with a similar distribution between sexes (Kirgezen et al, 2017). Hormone receptors allow for cell signaling to occur, and the presence of sex hormone receptors in the vocal fold tissue indicates a relationship between hormones and vocal fold functions (Kirgezen et al, 2017).…”

“…The vocal fold contains estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors with a similar distribution between sexes (Kirgezen et al, 2017). Hormone receptors allow for cell signaling to occur, and the presence of sex hormone receptors in the vocal fold tissue indicates a relationship between hormones and vocal fold functions (Kirgezen et al, 2017). Although both aged men and women experience endocrine function changes resulting in declines in sex hormone production, the dramatic and sudden decline of estrogen production following menopause greatly differs from men's progressive decline of androgens (Kaufman & Vermeulen, 2005;Lamberts, van den Beld, & van der Lely, 1997).…”

Self-Perceived Voice Handicap During COVID19 Compulsory Facemask Use: A Comparative Study Between Portuguese and Spanish Speakers

“…For example, sex steroid hormonal variations during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause have been pinpointed as life stages during which vocal changes may occur 35,36 . Possible explanations include i) similarities found between the histological response of the mucosa of the vocal folds and the mucosa of the cervix to sex hormes [37][38][39] , and ii) the presence of sex steroid hormonal receptors at different sub-units of the vocal folds 40 . Second, professionals that require extended periods of voice use, such as teachers, are also exposed to higher risks of vocal hazards 41 .…”

“… 35 , 36 Possible explanations include (i) similarities found between the histological response of the mucosa of the vocal folds and the mucosa of the cervix to sex hormones, 37 , 38 , 39 and (ii) the presence of sex steroid hormonal receptors at different sub-units of the vocal folds. 40 Second, professionals that require extended periods of voice use, such as teachers, are also exposed to higher risks of vocal hazards. 41 Finally, a recent systematic review on effects of smoking on voice revealed substantial alterations to voice function.…”

Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence

“…As demonstrated by Abitbol et al [21], significant similarities between epithelial smears of the female larynx and vaginal cervix can be observed. Furthermore, several authors have demonstrated the presence of sex hormone receptors (e.g., progesterone and estrogen) on human vocal folds [26][27][28].…”