The Reported Vocal Changes of Young Female Classical Singers During the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle have been suggested to influence vocal function, though reported experiences vary among singers. This study explored how young female classical singers experience changes in vocal function and physical condition throughout the menstrual cycle. Classical voice students aged 20–35 from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami were recruited. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and daily surveys over a two-month period, documenting physical symptoms and vocal experiences, creating a longitudinal observational dataset. A final reflection questionnaire was also collected. Quantitative data were analyzed using predicted probability estimates to examine symptom patterns across cycle phases, while qualitative responses were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis. Fourteen participants were recruited, and seven met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Results suggest that both physical condition and vocal function may vary across menstrual phases. The menstrual and premenstrual phases were most frequently associated with reduced physical comfort and increased vocal difficulty, including low energy, vocal fatigue, dryness, and difficulty with onset, while the phases between them were generally associated with greater physical comfort and vocal ease. Considerable individual variation was observed. These findings highlight the importance of singers’ bodily awareness and suggest that cyclical changes in physical condition and vocal function may be relevant to young female classical singers.