How Does Testosterone Level Influence Vocal Cords In Males?
I would like to know whether Androgens bind to face , voice receptors, in prepubertal boys with prepubertal testosterone levels. When these boys experience adrenarche, we know androgens have binded to hair follicle receptors in their pubic area and axillary areas...but do the same androgens bind to their voice , face areas during this time despite absence of clinical signs?
Please provide advice.
Thanks and Best Rgds
Testosterone acts on voice apparatus at puberty
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX,
As puberty progresses testosterone levels rise in boys. Testosterone directly increases size and mass of vocal cords , enlarges larynx, deepens the voice, and changes the shape of the face. It is converted into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the skin and accelerates growth of facial hair.
For any hormone to be effective two or three requirements have to be met and it is so in the case of testosterone. There should be sufficient hormone, there should be active receptors and if the stimulant is the active metabolite like DHT, the process of conversion should take place.
Absence of any of these can interfere with the manifestation of the clinical features at puberty.
Adrenarche is not the same as puberty and is not due to testosterone.
Adrenarche is an early sexual maturation stage occurring around 6 to 8 years of age. During adrenarche the adrenal cortex secretes increased levels of androgens such as DHEA and DHEAS. Adrenarche is the result of the development of a new zone of the adrenal cortex, the zona reticularis. Adrenarche is a process related to puberty, but different from testicular maturation and function.
Wish you good health.
With regards,
Dr. Noble Zachariah