Writer’s Note: This article is based on my experience, which may not apply to the experiences of others. Always consult a doctor for advice about your health-related issues.
The average onset of menopause for women in the United States occurs at about age 52. Most of us associate menopause with the image of middle-aged, red-faced women, dripping with sweat, and plagued by a host of other unattractive physical and emotional problems most of us prefer not to think about. Even though 30 percent of women experience no physical discomfort during menopause, we have been taught to look forward to this time of life with dread.
Female singers feel particularly vulnerable, fearing they may suffer vocal problems that could compromise their vocal quality and even end their careers. Many singers complain of various vocal problems ranging from dryness to loss of notes, usually in the upper registers. It’s no coincidence that some female singers, particularly lyric and coloratura sopranos, actually retire because of vocal problems associated with menopause.
Some of us are forced to deal with this situation much earlier than we had imagined. It is difficult to accurately estimate the percentage of women who enter menopause before 40, because of the reluctance to discuss it, but researchers generally agree it is probably at least 10 percent. I was shocked when my gynecologist informed me that at age 37 my missed periods and high levels of certain hormones (as determined by a blood test) indicated early menopause.
Support groups for menopausal women now abound—but there certainly weren’t any I was aware of at that time. I did not know anyone my age in this situation, and felt frightened and totally alone. Worse, my concerns were largely ignored and occasionally even ridiculed.
My doctor believed that the shock of an unexpected divorce a few months before had thrown me into stress-induced ovarian failure. In addition, although not unusually thin, I had a low body fat content, which is usually considered healthy—but it can adversely affect estrogen levels.
I had never been seriously ill in my life. I looked young and felt healthy. The whole idea of menopause had never entered my mind and seemed impossible. I felt as if I had unexpectedly turned into a middle-aged woman overnight. To make matters worse, my doctor had absolutely no information about how menopause might affect my voice, and made no effort to help me find the needed information or support.
He did prescribe low-dose birth control pills to bring on my periods, and planned to put me on estrogen therapy if the birth control pills did not work. I had never taken any hormones, and felt dreadful for the six weeks I was on them. I had a full schedule of singing, and was dismayed to find that my voice definitely seemed lighter, reminding me of what I sounded like in my 20s.
I jettisoned the pills, which had failed to bring on my periods anyway. My voice returned to normal about three weeks later.
My voice teacher of 10 years was not optimistic about my situation, and made matters worse by telling me that since I would soon start to lose my voice, I should develop new interests. I have always been proactive, so I set about finding natural remedies for a condition I feared would destroy my health, my looks, and worst of all, my singing voice.
I continued my quest to reverse menopause, trying rub-in creams, massive dosages of vitamins, spoonfuls of flax seed oil, and licorice tea, none of which helped. I sought out information at libraries and health food stores, and found nothing but depressing news. After reading one too many articles warning of facial hair, “masculine” vocal changes, and loss of sex drive—none of which were happening to me—I decided to end my frustrating efforts, and keep doing what I had always done. Singing was the only truly consistent area of my life, and had sustained me through difficult times. I was not willing to give it up without a fight.
I continued to sing, experiencing no discernable vocal deterioration. For the first time, I truly began to appreciate the gift given to me, and enjoyed performing with new energy. My face and body also seemed none the worse for wear, and eventually my fears gave way to the joy of singing beautiful music.
I became more determined than ever to be the best artist possible. I parted company with my voice teacher and found a new teacher, who didn’t seem to be fazed by my situation. He did encourage me to start exploring heavier, more dramatic repertoire, which I had been thinking about for a while but had gotten too attached to my soubrette image to really explore.
I realized that my voice had taken on a slightly darker, richer sound, just right for Puccini and Verdi roles—but all the high-flying notes of my youth remained. I couldn’t wait to get started on new repertoire, and I continue to sing this repertoire today.
Did menopause hasten my moving into heavier literature? To be honest, I believe my voice did become slightly darker and heavier as a result of subtle hormonal changes. In my case, this was a relief, since I was coming to the end of my soubrette years and might have stuck with lighter repertoire longer than appropriate. In an unexpected way, menopause was a godsend, and may actually have extended my singing years.
I am now 51 years old. I have never had a hot flash, experienced weight changes or acquired facial hair. I know that many women experience difficulty in these areas, but I have not. I have not taken any drugs, although I’m aware some women may need them. I am still singing well, with high “E”s and “F”s intact.
I understand that I have been fortunate in this regard, although I did not see myself that way 15 years ago. In retrospect, however, I remember that as a young singer, my cords would swell a few days before my period, which I always felt affected my voice adversely. Auditions or performances when I was pre-menstrual were fraught with anxiety. These days, my voice is reliable all month long, and I don’t have to worry about singing through cramps.
We have all heard that after menopause, women are likely to suffer osteoporosis, which may affect our posture and vocal support. This was not something I wished to think about in my 30s, but because I was forced to become vigilant, I have developed habits I hope will prevent or lessen the effects of osteoporosis, should it become an issue. Medicine today offers many non-hormonal medications that appear to be safe and are shown to halt
bone loss.
Early menopause does not always hasten the onset of osteoporosis. I have friends who still menstruate and already have osteoporosis, and others way past menopause who don’t. Studies are starting to come out citing smoking and steroid medication as major contributors.
Remember these important points:
* If you get an unexpected “diagnosis” of menopause earlier than anticipated, don’t panic. I spent too much time worrying and blaming myself, when my time would have been better spent doing something enjoyable.
* Don’t turn yourself into a patient—you are not sick. I wasn’t, and chances are, you won’t be either.
* Don’t get pushed into using hormones, unless you feel you need them.
* Find a teacher who will support you and offer appropriate technical help if necessary.
* Don’t let fear or embarrassment get in the way of what you love doing.
* Keep singing.
