My voice is too low

Q I’m a trans woman and need surgery to make my voice higher pitched, but my doctor insists I see a speech therapist first. Why? Maria, Greenwich

A Don’t knock the speech therapy. The difference between men’s and women’s voices isn’t just high or low pitch; it’s also how you pronounce words or sentences,

the rhythm of your speech and how you use changes in volume and tone. Typically, for example, men tend to emphasise a point by speaking louder, whereas women use a different pitch.

There are often different non-verbal signals between men and women, too – looking into someone’s eyes, facial expression and posture – therapy will teach all these.

Surgery to raise the pitch by tightening your vocal cords does work, though there’s a risk of a strained, breathy voice. Do see the speech therapist first!