![]() But I was looking forward to expanding my deeper vocal range, and found myself appreciating baritone vocalists a lot more as my first shot consultation approached. Although my tone was a bit airy and light, I could still comfortably mimic male tenor vocalists, which I emulated happily. Personally, I had grown really comfortable singing with my pre-T voice. This will cause smaller breaks into the deepening process, and more time to accompany the change with technique. ![]() It is usually recommended for transgender singers who want to maintain their vocal ability to choose lower amounts of prescribed testosterone, as agreed with the healthcare professional. Higher amounts of administered testosterone will cause more significant drops in pitch, while smaller amounts will lead to a more gradual change. This process usually takes place during the first three to nine month range of hormone replacement therapy via injection, usually peaking around six months. It also enlarges the larynx, also called the voice box, and changes its placement. Studies have shown that on average, it is a change of 6.4 semitones. The impact is a permanent deepening of the pitch of the voice. This means that changes that would take place over several years of puberty get shortened to a few months. As most people want to see results quickly, injection tends to be the method of choice. It can be administered via injection, which is the fastest way of absorbing large amounts of the hormone, or via patches or topical gels. In the case of masculinization hormone replacement therapy, the hormone that is prescribed is testosterone. With a mix of diaphragmatic breathing, muscle control and placement, singing can be achieved. This is how we talk in our everyday life. Sound is emitted through the oscillation of the cords. To keep it simple, vocal cords are folded tissue in the throat that change with breathing and muscle contraction. It is important to understand what is going on. That is why I would like to share my experience with my voice and singing after one year of hormone replacement therapy. And that scared me, just like I know it scares other transmasculine individuals considering taking testosterone to masculinize their bodies. Not only because I did not know how my body would react to this new therapy, but also because I knew that there was something I could perhaps never get back: my singing. I left my first testosterone shot a bit conflicted. Because I only sing for my own enjoyment, I never felt the need to discuss that concern with my endocrinologist. They knew that when my voice would drop, it would break, and quite considerably. 'I hope you’re not a singer!' laughs one of the healthcare professionals I met when they saw my dosage for testosterone. ![]() As I considered the effects of undertaking HRT, I was excited to smooth out the lows and complete my otherwise good passing. My experience with my voice before hormone replacement therapy (pre-HRT) felt treacherous: although I liked its tonality, it was also my main source of misgendering.
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