How Menopause Can Affect Your Voice – What Every Singer (& Speaker) Needs to Know
Happy World Menopause Day (or &*%!£ this mental menopause chaos!) Whether you're a singer, performer, teacher, or just someone who loves to belt out their favourite tunes in the shower, menopause can bring changes to your voice that might leave you wondering, “Is it just me, or does something sound different?”
Let’s Talk Hormones…
Menopause is a natural transition, but it’s one that comes with a whirlwind of hormonal changes—especially a drop in oestrogen. This shift can affect nearly every part of the body, and (surprise!) your vocal folds are no exception. Oestrogen helps keep the vocal cords supple and hydrated, so when levels dip, you might notice:
Dryness or a scratchy feeling in your throat
A loss of vocal range (especially at the top end)
Voice fatigue or tiredness after speaking or singing
Changes in tone or strength – think: less power, more wobble
What’s Actually Going On?
Vocal folds are made up of delicate tissue that needs moisture and flexibility to move freely. As oestrogen drops, the mucosal lining can dry out. This can make the voice feel less agile and even a bit unpredictable. Some people also experience swelling or thickening of the vocal folds, leading to a deeper or huskier sound.
Does Everyone Notice a Change?
Not everyone will experience dramatic changes, but if you’re a singer or your job relies on your voice, you’re more likely to notice even subtle shifts. The good news? There’s plenty you can do to support your vocal health through this stage!
Top Tips for Navigating Menopause as a Vocalist
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Keep a water bottle handy and aim for regular sips throughout the day.
Warm up gently: Humming, lip bubbles, and siren glides are your friends—especially before long speaking or singing sessions.
Watch your environment: Indoor humidity of 40–60% is ideal. A humidifier can be a game-changer!
Don’t push through: If your voice feels tired or strained, give it a rest. Early intervention is key. Remember my #1 Rule: You can only give what you got!
Consider lifestyle tweaks: Managing allergies, reflux, and nutrition can all help keep your voice in top form.
Seek support: If you’re concerned, chat with a voice specialist who understands menopause—there’s no need to struggle in silence.
Let’s Normalise the Conversation
Menopause is a fact of life, and so are the changes it brings. The more we talk about it—especially in the context of our voices—the easier it gets to find solutions, share tips, and support each other. If you’ve noticed changes in your voice or want to talk through strategies, you’re not alone. Join our group sessions, singer network or The Tala Club to learn more.
On 4th December we will look at the effects of menopause (and perimenopause) on the voice in our lunchtime webinar :) Click below to book!
If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or colleague who might benefit. And if you have your own story or tip to share, I’d love to hear from you!