Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among young women, correlated with hyperandrogenism. Among the symptoms of PCOS, vocal alterations are quite unknown. Dysphonia may be related to hyperandrogenism, and there is no consensus about its prevalence and the severity of vocal disorders, which can cause noticeable discomfort. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Four studies on PCOS that evaluated the phonatory system were included for a total of 174 patients (96 PCOS, 78 controls), and a meta-analysis on comparable data was performed. Results: Four studies evaluated parameters related to vocal symptomatology, altered audiometric examination, and findings at the laryngoscopy in patients affected by PCOS versus controls. Although the individual studies showed increased incidence of alterations and a tendency to develop speech fatigue in women with PCOS, when the results of studies were pulled in meta-analysis, the overall difference was not statistically significant. The studies themselves were very different from each other; therefore, it is hard to draw any firm conclusions. Discussion: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of vocal alterations, the correlation with hyperandrogenism, the quality of life, and the voice changes after starting a therapy for PCOS. The present meta-analysis failed to find any difference in terms of PCOS and control cohort. However, the lack of high-quality studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. New and larger studies or big population program data are therefore warranted.
Plain Language Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by endocrine dysfunctions, including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, in addition to the typical ultrasound appearance of the ovaries with many small follicles. PCOS can manifest itself with weight gain, infertility, menstrual irregularities, alopecia, hirsutism, acne. Among the less known aspects of such syndrome affecting young women, there is the vocal change, which can be accompanied with discomfort, decreased tone of voice, and, in some cases, sore throat. This article analyzes the literature with a systematic review to understand how PCOS is related to vocal changes. Works that have been included analyse symptoms, hormonal values, and acoustic parameters to identify differences between the general population and the population affected by PCOS and to describe possible connections.
