Vocal and articulatory performance fluctuates across the menstrual cycle: Acoustic analysis of daily single participant speech data over three months

Abstract

The impact of sex hormones on voice and speech has been observed across the menstrual cycle; however, the evidence remains mixed. Here, we investigated voice and articulatory performance as a function of the menstrual cycle over three months via an intensive longterm single case experimental design. A 17-yearold naturally cycling female who did not use oral/hormonal contraceptives gave a written consent to participate in the study over a period of three cycles (i.e., 90 days). Daily urine sample test strips were utilized to identify the onset of ovulation (via luteinizing hormone, LH). Daily voice and articulation tasks including a Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) task, a diadochokinesis (DDK) task were completed. A harmonic regression analysis showed a linear learning effect for DDK rate (p<.00001) with a fluctuation of values as a function of the menstrual cycle (p = 0.024). MPT showed a cyclic fluctuation (p = 0.028) but no linear learning effect. Linear and harmonic terms for fundamental frequency (measured from MPT recordings) showed no significant patterns. Understanding hormone driven variability in speech and voice helps to inform remediation strategies that aim to minimize the impact of speech motor and voice disorders across the lifespan.