Acoustic voice analysis in different phases of menstrual cycle

Background. The female body is under the constant influence of sex hormones. At the same time, the larynx is no exception - sex steroid receptors are located on the vocal folds. Consequently, during the menstrual cycle, the voice also undergoes cyclical changes, which is especially important for professional voice users. Currently, the frequency of using hormonal contraceptives is increasing, the mechanism of which is associated with suppression of hormonal peaks, which should affect the presence of cyclical changes in voice.

Aim. Analyse changes in the acoustic characteristics of the voice among women with a natural menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives users.

Materials and methods. The voices of 15 women aged 21-28, of whom 6 use hormonal contraception, were recorded during menstruation, late follicular and luteal phases. The phases of the menstrual cycle were determined by the calendar method. Acoustic data analysis was performed in the Praat program (6.4.21). The following characteristics were studied: fundamental frequency (F0), minimum (F0min) and maximum (F0max) values, voice intensity, perturbation measurements (jitter and shimmer), Harmonic-to-Noise-Ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time.

Results. Women with a natural menstrual cycle had voice changes during the cycle:  decrease in voice quality during menstruation, a higher voice in the late follicular phase. There are no changes in voice during the menstrual cycle among hormonal contraceptives users.

Conclusions. The results obtained prove the influence of sex hormones on acoustic characteristics of voice.