äänenmurroksen

Äänenmurros, often referred to as voice breaking or voice change, is a developmental process that occurs during puberty. It is most commonly associated with males, but can also happen to a lesser extent in females. This transformation is driven by hormonal changes, primarily an increase in testosterone, which causes the larynx (voice box) to grow. The vocal cords, which are attached to the larynx, also lengthen and thicken.

As the vocal cords change, the pitch of the voice becomes lower. During this period of transition, the voice may sound unstable, cracking, or unpredictable. This is because the vocal cords are adapting to their new size and thickness, and the coordination between the muscles controlling them is still developing. The voice can fluctuate between the pre-pubescent higher pitch and the developing lower pitch, leading to the characteristic "breaking" sound.

The timing and extent of voice breaking vary among individuals. In males, it typically begins in early adolescence, usually between the ages of 11 and 15, and can take several months to a couple of years to fully stabilize. In females, the larynx also grows, but to a lesser degree, resulting in a more subtle deepening of the voice, if any noticeable change occurs. This process is a natural and expected part of maturation.