Can Hypothyroidism Cause Hoarse Voice?

Yes, hypothyroidism can lead to a hoarse voice. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), various symptoms can occur due to the resulting metabolic changes. One of the possible symptoms is changes in the voice or vocal changes.

The thyroid hormones play a role in maintaining the health of the vocal cords and the surrounding structures in the throat. In hypothyroidism, the lack of adequate thyroid hormone levels can cause changes in the vocal cords’ function and structure, leading to hoarseness or changes in voice quality.

The vocal cords can become swollen, dry, or thickened due to the impact of hypothyroidism. This can affect their ability to vibrate properly during speech, resulting in a hoarse, raspy, or deeper voice.

It’s important to note that while hoarseness can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, there are various other causes of hoarseness, such as viral infections, vocal strain, smoking, acid reflux, or other throat-related conditions. Therefore, if someone experiences persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.