The deep voices observed in some female bodybuilders are a consequence of biological changes induced by performance-enhancing substances. This vocal masculinization results directly from the body’s reaction to high levels of male sex hormones, which profoundly affect the vocal apparatus. This article explains the biological mechanism behind this voice change.
The Primary Cause of Vocal Change
Vocal deepening in female bodybuilders is caused by the use of exogenous anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). These compounds are synthetic variations of testosterone, intended to promote muscle growth and increase strength. When female athletes use AAS, the body is exposed to supraphysiological levels of androgens.
The female body is highly sensitive to these elevated androgen levels, triggering virilization—the development of male characteristics. The vocal cords are among the most sensitive tissues to this hormonal shift, making the introduction of high-dose synthetic versions particularly impactful. These masculinizing side effects are an unintended consequence of rapid muscle gain through AAS use.
How Androgens Alter the Larynx
The mechanism for voice change is directly linked to the presence of androgen receptors within the tissues of the larynx. When high concentrations of androgens bind to these receptors, they stimulate growth and structural change in the laryngeal tissues. This process is similar to the natural voice change that occurs in boys during male puberty. The most significant alteration occurs in the vocal folds, the vibrating structures responsible for producing sound.
Androgen exposure causes the vocal folds to thicken and lengthen, a process known as hypertrophy. Sound pitch is determined by the length and thickness of the vocal folds; thicker, longer folds vibrate at a lower frequency. The resulting lower fundamental frequency (F0) is perceived as a deeper, more masculine voice. The laryngeal cartilage may also slightly enlarge, and the mucosa covering the vocal folds can thicken. This structural reorganization reduces the speaker’s vocal pitch and range, leading to the characteristic deep voice.
The Permanence of Vocal Deepening
The voice changes resulting from anabolic-androgenic steroid use are considered irreversible, even after the athlete stops taking the substances. This permanence is due to the physical, structural alteration that occurs in the larynx. Once the vocal folds have thickened and lengthened, the anatomical change remains.
Unlike many other effects of AAS use, which diminish or reverse after discontinuation, the vocal changes are permanent. While muscle mass may decrease after cessation, the physical dimensions of the vocal folds do not return to their pre-exposure state. The voice may also suffer from lasting issues, such as vocal instability, hoarseness, and a loss of the ability to hit high frequencies.
Other Physical Changes Associated with Use
The high levels of androgens responsible for vocal deepening also induce several other noticeable virilization effects throughout the body. One common effect is hirsutism, which involves the growth of thick, dark hair on the face and body in a male-typical pattern.
Skin texture changes are frequent, including severe acne and oily skin. Many women also experience androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, resulting in a receding hairline or thinning hair. Internal and genital changes include clitoral enlargement, known as clitoromegaly, which is a permanent structural alteration. These varied effects underscore the widespread influence that high levels of androgens have on the female endocrine system.