How to make voice deeper for FTM

Wondering how to make your voice deeper?  We'll explore voice exercises, hormone therapy, voice modification surgery, and voice therapy options specifically for FTM individuals.

Voice is a significant part of one’s personality and gender affirmation process. Many trans men feel insecure about their voices being too feminine. This is a normal feeling, but it's important to feel comfortable and confident in yourself. This article will provide you with all the information you need to understand how to achieve a deeper voice.

Understanding FTM Voice Change

The Importance of Voice in Gender Affirmation

Voice plays a crucial role in how we express our gender identity. For many FTM individuals, achieving a deeper voice is an essential step in their transition.

What Exactly Is Voice Masculinization?

Voice masculinization refers to the process of altering the voice to sound deeper and more traditionally masculine. This can involve changes in pitch, resonance, and speech patterns. The goal is to achieve a voice that aligns more closely with one's gender identity, which can be done through various methods such as hormone therapy, voice training, and surgery.

Voice Therapy: FTM Voice Training

FTM voice therapy refers to the non-surgical process of voice training to deepen the voice. Voice therapy is helpful when a person wants to feel more assured in their body while being gender-affirmed.

How Does FTM Voice Therapy Work?

FTM voice therapy involves an individualized learning program based on your specific needs and abilities. The training focuses on improving resonance, breath control, and pitch through various exercises. A professional specialist will guide you through the journey to find your true voice, helping you develop a sound that aligns with your gender identity.

Key Components of Masculine Voice Development

Developing a masculine voice involves focusing on several key areas:

• Pitch: Lowering the pitch of your voice to achieve a deeper sound.
• Resonance: Adjusting where the sound vibrates in your vocal tract to produce a more masculine tone.
• Speech Patterns: Modifying speech habits, including intonation, pace, and articulation, to align with masculine speech patterns.

Common Exercises in FTM Voice Therapy

• Pitch Glides: Sliding your voice from high to low to help find and control a deeper pitch.
• Breath Control Exercises: Learning how to manage breath support for a steadier, deeper voice.
• Resonance Exercises: Focusing on where your voice vibrates to achieve a more masculine sound.

FTM Voice Training Techniques

In addition to the exercises mentioned, specific training techniques can further aid in achieving a masculine voice:

• Chest Voice Development: Focusing on producing sound from your chest rather than your throat or head, which creates a fuller, richer sound.
• Vocal Fold Relaxation: Learning to relax the vocal folds can help lower the pitch and reduce strain.
• Consistent Practice: Regular, dedicated practice is crucial for maintaining progress and reinforcing new voice patterns.

How to Start Vocal Therapy

To begin vocal therapy, the first step is to find a qualified vocal specialist with experience in transgender voice therapy. You can do this by looking at reviews, asking for recommendations, or consulting your local doctor for a referral. While some may consider self-training, professional guidance offers a more structured and effective approach, ensuring faster and safer results.

Pros and Cons of Voice Therapy

Pros:

• Personalized approach tailored to your unique needs.
• Professional guidance ensures effective results.
• Non-invasive with no surgical risks.

Cons:

• Time-consuming; requires consistent effort and dedication.
• Results can vary widely from person to person.

Testosterone and Voice Changes: What to Expect

Testosterone is well-known for its positive effects on voice masculinization. When you start testosterone treatment, your vocal cords thicken, which slows down vocal fold vibration, leading to a deeper voice.

Timeline of FTM Testosterone Voice Change

Voice changes can begin as early as 6 weeks into treatment. However, most changes are noticeable between 6 to 9 months. It's important to note that results vary widely, and some may take up to a year or more to see significant changes.

Factors Influencing Voice Changes

Several factors can influence the timeline and effectiveness of voice changes during testosterone therapy:

• Dosage: Higher doses may lead to quicker changes, but it's crucial to consult your doctor for safe levels.
• Age: Younger individuals may experience changes faster due to more flexibility in the vocal cords.
• Individual Biology: Each person’s body responds differently to testosterone, making the timeline unique for everyone.

Possible Side Effects

Testosterone can have side effects on the voice, such as entrapped vocality, which includes an enlarged larynx, a hoarse voice, and loss of control over vocal range. Although these side effects are rare, they remain a possibility.

Tips to Mitigate Side Effects:

• Schedule regular check-ups with an endocrinologist.
• Consult a speech therapist if you notice any issues with your voice.

FTM Voice Surgery

If voice therapy and testosterone treatment don't achieve the desired results, FTM voice surgery is another option to consider.

Types of FTM Voice Surgery

• Thyroplasty: This surgery changes the position of the vocal cords to achieve a deeper voice.
• Micro Laryngeal Pitch Reduction Surgery: This procedure thickens the vocal cords by transferring tissue, increasing their mass to lower the pitch.

Deciding on Voice Surgery

Deciding whether to undergo voice surgery is a significant decision that should be made in consultation with a medical professional. It involves evaluating your voice characteristics, inspecting your voice box, and thoroughly discussing the risks and benefits. Voice surgery is irreversible, so it's essential to be fully informed and ready for the commitment.

Preparing for Voice Surgery

Before the surgery, discuss your expectations and possible outcomes with your surgeon. The procedure typically lasts a few hours under anesthesia, focusing on your vocal cords. After surgery, recovery involves vocal rest, with a gradual reintroduction to speaking. Be prepared for a healing process that could take several weeks or more.

How Do You Know Which Method Is Right for You?

Choosing the right method to deepen your voice depends on various factors, including your goals, timeline, and comfort level with different approaches. Here are some considerations:

• Voice Therapy: Ideal if you prefer a non-invasive, gradual approach. It requires dedication and time but allows for significant control over the outcome.
• Testosterone Therapy: Suitable if you’re already considering hormone therapy for other aspects of your transition. It offers a natural change in voice depth but can take time.
• Voice Surgery: A more immediate option for those who haven’t achieved their desired results through other methods. It’s a permanent solution but comes with surgical risks.

Consult with professionals such as a speech therapist, endocrinologist, or surgeon to help determine the best approach for your situation.

Conclusion:

Changing your voice is a process that requires patience and perseverance. It's important not to give up, even if results take time to appear. Every FTM journey is unique, and eventually, you'll reach a point where you're happy with your masculine voice.

Remember: Each step you take brings you closer to feeling at home in your own voice. Stay committed, seek support when needed, and trust the process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Lower Your Voice FTM

How Can I Make My Voice Deeper?

There are three main ways to deepen your voice:

• FTM voice therapy
• Testosterone treatment
• FTM voice surgery

Each method has its pros and cons. Consider what aligns best with your goals and consult professionals when necessary.

Does Testosterone Make Your Voice Deeper ?

Yes, testosterone can make your voice deeper. When individuals assigned female at birth undergo testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT), one of the effects is the thickening of the vocal cords. This process lowers the pitch of the voice, making it sound deeper over time.

Is There a Voice-Changing Surgery for FTM?

Yes, there are two types of surgeries: Thyroplasty and Micro Laryngeal Pitch Reduction Surgery. See the "FTM Voice Surgery" section for more details.

How Long Does It Take for Your Voice to Change FTM?

For voice therapy, it typically takes 6 to 12 months on average, depending on your effort and technique. Testosterone-induced changes may be noticeable within a few months, but it can take up to a year or more for full effects to manifest.

What Should I Do If I Get Misgendered Because of My Voice?

Invest time in vocal training or voice therapy. If you're on testosterone, remember that your voice will gradually masculinize. Don’t let misgendering discourage you—stay focused on your journey and the progress you are making.