Fundamental voice frequency measured by electroglottography during continuous speech. A new exact secondary sex characteristic in boys in puberty.

Summary The variation of fundamental voice frequency measured by the average of 2000 consecutive electroglottographic cycles in a reading situation has been examined in relation to pubertal development and androgens. Fundamental frequency among other parameters was related to height ( r −0.82), pubic hair stage ( r −0.87), testis volume ( r −0.78), total testosterone ( r −0.73) and serum hormone binding globulin ( r 0.75). Single observations of fundamental frequency show a clear grouping of results under and over 200 Hz. Fundamental frequency of more than 200 Hz and serum testosterone of more than 10 nmol/l probably represent values for a boy in puberty. There seem to be comparable relations with other androgens and with serum hormone binding globulin.