Singers and Birthcontrol

[larksong]

Hi Everyone,
I know this subject continues to rear its head throughout the singing world. Most of what I hear about the effects of oral contraceptives on the voice seem to be negative (losing parts of your range,etc) as well as the possibility of physical side effects such as blood clots etc. So up to this point I have been leary of oral contraceptives.

However, I want to know if I have a solid reason for feeling this way or if modern dosages can dispel my fears. I've been doing some research on the internet, and all the sites guarantee no worries about the dosages, but I want to know specifically how singers find that oral contraceptives affect their voices.

So I'm looking for two types of advice:
1) Personal experience - positive or negative?
2) Links to articles, anything with solid research would be great.

Thanks!

[brava]

I'm curious, too. I was on the pill several years ago and just did not like the general way I felt. (Lethargic, swollen boobs, kinda depressed, even). However, there's no real way for me to tell if it was the pill or just a natural down time. But I'm not very fond of the idea of trying again, just in case it was related. Add to this all the vocal issues, and ack! What's a girl to do? Anyone have any insight?

[larksong]

Thanks for the feedback Brava. I guess there's no way to completely tell whether what you felt was due to the pill or a natural down time, as you said, but I have had other girlfriends who mentioned a similar change in their energy levels once going on the pill, and then you hear about weight gain...

Anyone else?

[texsoprano]

I always noticed a difference in my singing when on the birth control pill. Primarily, I found a loss of flexibility in my voice and my range became a bit limited. Since my husband and I do not plan on anymore children (we already have four) I decided it was time for a more permanent change to avoid the side effects of the pill. He decided to have surgery as it is a more complicated surgery for women, and these problems I experienced while on the pill have disappeared! Of course, none of this was done as a controlled study, so I can't say for sure, 100 percent, that my vocal issues were resolved as a result of going off the pill. But, I will say that it seems to at least indicate a corrolation of sorts.

[labmom]

Let me preface this by stating that I have been on some form of the pill for nearly 15 years - so I have a long history and may just be "used" to the side effects therefore they don't bother me.

There are several forms of the pill with varying levels of hormones and your doctor should try to find the lowest possible combination that will work for you. This might take a little trial and error. I think I went through 3 different types before finding one that worked well.

I was already on the pill before I started singing seriously so it is hard to say if I "lost" any notes - but I spent many years of my career singing Queen of the Nights - so I don't know how many notes I would have had left on top anyway

I can say that when I went off the pill to get pregnant, through the pregancy and nursing, the changes I noticed in my voice were classic "pregancy hormonal" changes - fuller, darker, richer sound - BUT all those changes stayed with me after I went back on the pill.

We had talked about getting my husband snipped - BUT I actually like being on the pill and being able to predict when my period shows up. My voice always gets a little fuzzy right when my period starts - so I was able to time my pills so that I start my period on a Tuesday - a day that I rarely have concerts or openings - by Friday I am good to go. I can also attempt to arrange auditions when I am in my best voice - so for my it is a matter of convenience.

Labmom

[larksong]

Thanks for the perspective Labmom. There are positive aspects in your experience that I hadn't considered before. Since I haven't been on the pill before, I wanted to be cautious before jumping on the bandwagon and get the perspective of singers. I often feel like physicians don't completely understand why certain health issues are a big deal to me as a singer.

You said you went through a few different types before finding one that worked well for you. What were the differences between the ones you didn't like and the one you finally felt "clicked" with your body/voice?

Thanks again.

[texsoprano]

Good points, labmom! Because my period is like clockwork I always know when my period is due and also make those same changes regarding auditioning, performing. The interesting thing is that when I went off of the pill my period shortened from almost a full seven days to only three. Go figure! I also agree that there are a variety of pill options with different hormone levels and yes, the lower hormone version may work for you. They offered one progesterone heavy pill to me while breastfeeding (which I think at the time was the lowest hormone dose available) but I can't remember what it was called. Sorry!

[nati]

Labmom, I agree with you. I also never thought the pill influanced my voice, but it can be different with everyone of us. What I did know that I better not audition or perform during my period-cause of the swelling and singing out of the pitch...
I took (now I am expecting) for several years the SEASONAL which was great for me cause with this pill you get period every 4 months! The doctors says I have nothing to worry about and really I got pregnant fast when we decided to have a baby later on.
For me, knowing when I get the period (only 3 times a year) made my life more easy as a singer. I try to avoid singing during my period as much as I can.
Now I can't wait to hear my voice after the first pregnancy, I heard it grows so much.

[stinky]

Nati!!! Haven't heard from you in a while. How are you feeling?

[nati]

Hey Stinky,
I was happy you didn't forget me ;o)
We were out of the country visiting our family before the baby is due.
Everything is fine, I just got back to practice and it feels great.
In June I will be away for another 2 weeks performing (by then I will be 7th month pregnant!)
How about you? BTW, how many kids do you have?
Ciao

[labmom]

I actually don't remember which forms did not work for me - but the major complication was break through bleeding - which was a total drag.

I am now using estrostep which works well for me and like texsoprano my period went from a heavy bleeding cramp filled 7+ day event to a VERY light 3 day affair.

There are lots more options available than ever before - just make sure you do your reading and ask the right questions of your doctor to find the best fit for your life style if you choose to go that route.

[larksong]

Ladies,

I've been out of town for awhile and wasn't on the computer much. Thanks for all your advice/experience - I will definitely keep this in mind! Happy singing everyone, and for those of you in the States, enjoy Memorial Day weekend!

[Han]

I went on the internet to search for the same question. I'm not a singer but I do love singing and my sister is a singer. I have noticed I went on pill when I got married at nineteen and came of when I was approx 23. I am so sad I wish I never took it. I cannot say for sure whether or not the pill caused my symptoms but I went from being happy outgoing teenager to extremely depressed and anxious, quiet young lady & lack of/no sex drive. I used to just about reach top g (soprano voice) but can now only go to d. It hard say if that is due to age (I am now 25) or lack of practice or the pill. My periods also changed to much less heavy and brown blood & I am having slight trouble carrying and conceiving . I can't say for definite if these things are related to the pill because it is just my personal experience and may not be related to the pill but I would recommend for no one to interfere with there hormones but these things have gradually improved, very slowly after coming off the pill and I wish I had never taken it and just let my body do what it was designed to. Thank you