How to make voice deeper for FTM
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FTM Voice Training
How to achieve a deeper, more masculine voice through voice therapy, testosterone, and surgical options. Everything you need to know for your voice transition journey.
Voice Therapy
Non-invasive training with a specialist to develop masculine vocal patterns
6-12 monthsTestosterone
Hormone therapy that naturally thickens vocal cords over time
6-12+ monthsVoice Surgery
Surgical procedures to permanently lower vocal pitch
ImmediateUnderstanding FTM Voice Change
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 completely normal feeling, and there are effective ways to achieve a deeper, more masculine voice.
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, significantly impacting how they're perceived and how comfortable they feel in social situations.
What Is Voice Masculinization?
Voice masculinization refers to the process of altering the voice to sound deeper and more traditionally masculine. This involves changes in:
🎵 Pitch
Lowering the fundamental frequency of your voice to achieve a deeper sound
🔊 Resonance
Adjusting where sound vibrates in your vocal tract for a more masculine tone
💬 Speech Patterns
Modifying intonation, pace, and articulation to align with masculine speech
Voice Therapy: FTM Voice Training
FTM voice therapy is a non-surgical process of voice training to deepen the voice. It's helpful when you want to feel more assured in your body while being gender-affirmed.
How Does FTM Voice Therapy Work?
Voice therapy involves an individualized learning program based on your specific needs and abilities. A professional specialist guides you through the journey, focusing on improving resonance, breath control, and pitch through various exercises.
Getting Started
Find a qualified vocal specialist with experience in transgender voice therapy. Look at reviews, ask for recommendations, or consult your local doctor for a referral.
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
- Develop long-lasting vocal habits
❌ Cons
- Time-consuming; requires consistent effort
- Results vary widely from person to person
- May require ongoing practice to maintain
FTM Voice Training Exercises
These exercises and techniques can help you develop a more masculine voice. Consistent practice is key to achieving and maintaining results.
Common Exercises
Pitch Glides
Slide your voice smoothly from high to low pitches. This helps you find and control a deeper pitch while building awareness of your vocal range.
Breath Control Exercises
Learn to manage breath support for a steadier, deeper voice. Practice diaphragmatic breathing to support your voice from below.
Resonance Exercises
Focus on where your voice vibrates. Practice humming and speaking while directing the vibration toward your chest rather than your head.
Advanced Techniques
Chest Voice Development
Focus on producing sound from your chest rather than your throat or head. This creates a fuller, richer, more masculine sound.
Vocal Fold Relaxation
Learning to relax the vocal folds can help lower the pitch naturally and reduce strain during speaking.
Consistent Practice
Regular, dedicated practice is crucial. Even 10-15 minutes daily helps maintain progress and reinforce new voice patterns.
Video Tutorial: FTM Voice Training Basics
Testosterone and Voice Changes
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 Voice Changes
📅 When to Expect Changes on Testosterone
Voice changes may begin. Some notice subtle differences in vocal quality.
More noticeable changes. Voice may crack or feel unstable during this period.
Most significant changes occur. Voice begins to stabilize at a lower pitch.
Voice typically reaches its final depth. Some continue seeing changes beyond this.
Factors Influencing Voice Changes
Dosage
Higher doses may lead to quicker changes, but always consult your doctor for safe levels
Age
Younger individuals may experience changes faster due to more flexible vocal cords
Individual Biology
Each body responds differently to testosterone, making your timeline unique
Possible Side Effects
Testosterone can have side effects on the voice, such as "entrapped vocality" — which may include an enlarged larynx, hoarse voice, and temporary loss of control over vocal range. These effects are rare but possible.
Tips to Mitigate Side Effects
Schedule regular check-ups with an endocrinologist. Consult a speech therapist if you notice any issues with your voice, such as persistent hoarseness or pain.
FTM Voice Surgery
If voice therapy and testosterone treatment don't achieve the desired results, FTM voice surgery is another option to consider. Surgery provides permanent changes but comes with surgical risks.
Types of FTM Voice Surgery
Thyroplasty
Vocal Cord RepositioningThis surgery changes the position of the vocal cords to achieve a deeper voice. The procedure adjusts the tension and length of the cords to lower pitch permanently.
Micro Laryngeal Pitch Reduction Surgery
Vocal Cord ThickeningThis procedure thickens the vocal cords by transferring tissue, increasing their mass to lower the pitch. It creates more substantial vocal cord vibration for a deeper sound.
Preparing for Voice Surgery
What to Expect
Discuss expectations and possible outcomes with your surgeon. The procedure typically lasts a few hours under anesthesia. Recovery involves vocal rest, with gradual reintroduction to speaking over several weeks.
Important considerations: Voice surgery is irreversible. It requires evaluating your voice characteristics, inspecting your voice box, and thoroughly discussing risks and benefits with a medical professional. Make sure you're fully informed before committing.
Which Method Is Right for You?
Choosing the right method depends on your goals, timeline, and comfort level with different approaches. Here's a comparison to help you decide:
Voice Therapy
Ideal if you prefer a non-invasive, gradual approach. Requires dedication and time but allows significant control over the outcome.
Non-invasive 6-12 months Reversible
Testosterone Therapy
Suitable if you're already considering hormone therapy for other aspects of your transition. Offers natural change but takes time.
Natural change 6-12+ months Permanent
Voice Surgery
A more immediate option for those who haven't achieved desired results through other methods. Permanent solution with surgical risks.
Immediate results Permanent Surgical risks
Consult Professionals
Work with a speech therapist, endocrinologist, or surgeon to determine the best approach for your unique situation. Many people combine multiple methods for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three main ways: FTM voice therapy (training exercises with a specialist), testosterone treatment (hormone therapy that thickens vocal cords), and FTM voice surgery (permanent surgical alteration). Each method has its pros and cons — consider what aligns best with your goals.
Yes, testosterone can make your voice deeper. When individuals assigned female at birth undergo testosterone HRT, one effect is the thickening of the vocal cords. This process lowers the pitch of the voice, making it sound deeper over time.
Yes, there are two main types: Thyroplasty (repositions vocal cords) and Micro Laryngeal Pitch Reduction Surgery (thickens vocal cords by tissue transfer). Both are permanent procedures that should be carefully considered with a medical professional.
For voice therapy, it typically takes 6 to 12 months depending on your effort and technique. Testosterone-induced changes may be noticeable within a few months, but full effects can take up to a year or more to manifest.
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're making. Each step brings you closer to your authentic voice.
Your Voice Journey
Changing your voice is a process that requires patience and perseverance. Every FTM journey is unique, and eventually, you'll reach a point where you feel at home in your own voice. Stay committed, seek support when needed, and trust the process.
Explore More FTM Resources
Emisil offers comprehensive guides and high-quality prosthetics to support your transition journey.