So I understand the process of T on the vocal chords can be pretty brutal. I was wanting to know if anyone knew anything I could do pre-T and during to help ensure my vocal chords aren't too stressed or damaged. I have been known to sing every once in a while, and I have read that it can ruin a singing voice. Any help y'all can give would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Quote from: Gene on January 06, 2014, 11:05:44 PM
So I understand the process of T on the vocal chords can be pretty brutal. I was wanting to know if anyone knew anything I could do pre-T and during to help ensure my vocal chords aren't too stressed or damaged. I have been known to sing every once in a while, and I have read that it can ruin a singing voice. Any help y'all can give would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

I've had a lot of trouble, but then I'd guess I am a lot older than most guys here. I don't know pre T what you can do. If you are on T, you can go on a lower dose. I'm guessing that would help. There are singers but working with someone while you are on T would probably help. I am actually thinking of seeing a speech therapist (who's worked with trans guys), and that is doable, depending on where you live and your resources. I am guessing at least temporarily you would lose your singing voice.

--Jay

Google "testosterone and the trans male singing voice", there's an article with lots of info about vocal changes. Several links at the bottom too, including an article about protecting your singing voice. There's no 100% guarantees, but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of winding up unable to sing.

I'm glad you posted this.  I'm a songwriter, and losing my ability to sing has been the biggest thing that's held me back from transitioning.  And I've never gotten a solid answer from anyone, as most of the trans people I've known haven't been vocalists.

I do know that cis males the transition is the hardest part.  Many guys, even those gifted with amazing voices, often have a period during puberty where their vocal range consists of only three or four notes.  That said, after the transition they usually recover quite a substantial range.

If the transition for transmen is anything the same as for cismen, then there shouldn't really be any lasting damage.  I don't know if this parallel holds though, or if the process is different because of the amount of estrogen already in our bodies.  But even if the transition is similar and there's no lasting damage, using a male voice is very different from using a female voice.  And the voice that you have you've had many years to practice with.  I mean it took me twenty-four years to perfect my instrument and now I'm looking at starting with a completely new one.  Don't really know how I feel about that.

I'm gonna read that article by the way.