Vocal surgery to maintain quality of voice in female singers
April-29, 2004 (ANI)

Researchers are trying to prove that timing is crucial for successful voice surgery in female singers.

The quality of the voice changes during a woman's menstrual cycle and female singers suffering from the premenstrual voice syndrome experience the loss of certain singing abilities. But vocal surgery is now available to maintain performance level of the singing voice.

Tissue in the vocal cords and the female reproductive system react similarly to the hormonal changes present during a woman's menstrual cycle. In some women, the change in vocal cord tissue is pronounced, resulting in what researchers call "premenstrual voice syndrome" (PMVS).

Premenstrual voice syndrome is characterized by vocal fatigue, decreased range, a loss of power, slight hoarseness, and loss of certain singing abilities (such as ability to hit the highest
notes). The syndrome usually starts four to five days prior to menstruation and affects about one third of women, particularly those women whose voice is important to their career.

The idea that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect the singing voice is not new. In the past, many European opera houses excused female singers from performing during the premenstrual and early menstrual days (known as grace days), according to a report.

What is new is that vocal surgery (phonosurgery) is now available to maintain performance level of the singing voice. Since is it well known that the physiology and anatomy of the vocal cords are altered by female menstruation.

Researchers, Jean Abitbol, MD, and Beatrice Abitbol MD, both at 1 Rue Largillihre and Patrick Abitbol, MD, Chef de clinique - Assistant des Htpitaux de Paris, all in Paris, France, assessed whether the timing of voice surgery in female singers with premenstrual voice syndrome was important.

The results of their findings will be presented in "Timing for Phonosurgery in Premenstrual Voice Syndrome," at the American Laryngological Association annual meeting, April 30 - May 1, 2004, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ.