Do Women Have an Adam’s Apple?
When most people think of an Adam’s apple, they tend to associate it with men, but did you know that women can have one too? Yes, women can develop a prominent Adam’s apple, and while it’s less common, it’s entirely normal. Whether you’ve noticed a bump in your own neck or are simply curious about this often-overlooked anatomical feature, this blog will walk you through what an Adam’s apple is, why it can be more prominent in some women, and what options are available if you’d like to reduce its visibility.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is an Adam’s Apple?
The Adam’s apple is a protrusion of cartilage in the front of the throat, technically called the laryngeal prominence. It’s part of your larynx, or voice box, which houses your vocal cords and is involved in producing sound. The Adam’s apple is formed by the thyroid cartilage, which grows and shifts as you go through puberty. In both men and women, the larynx grows during this time, but it grows larger and more prominently in men, resulting in a visible Adam’s apple.
Why Is It Called an Adam’s Apple?
The term “Adam’s apple” comes from the biblical story of Adam and Eve. It’s said that a piece of the forbidden fruit became lodged in Adam’s throat, leaving a permanent bump. While this is a myth, the term stuck around and is now the common name for what’s more formally called the laryngeal prominence.
Do Women Have an Adam’s Apple?
Yes, women do have an Adam’s apple, but it’s usually much less prominent than in men. Both men and women have the same structures in their throats, including the thyroid cartilage, but in women, it tends to be smaller and less noticeable. This is due to hormonal differences that occur during puberty.
In men, the production of testosterone causes the larynx to grow larger, resulting in a deeper voice and a more prominent Adam’s apple. In women, estrogen and lower levels of testosterone result in less dramatic growth of the larynx, which is why the Adam’s apple is typically smaller or not as visible.
However, there are exceptions. Some women have a more noticeable Adam’s apple due to genetic factors, body structure, or other reasons we’ll explore below.
Reasons Why Some Women Have a Prominent Adam’s Apple
1. Genetics and Body Structure
One of the most common reasons a woman might have a more visible Adam’s apple is simply due to genetics. Every person’s body is unique, and just as some women have more prominent cheekbones or a more defined jawline, some women may naturally have a larger laryngeal prominence.
If you have a particularly thin neck, the structures in your throat, including the Adam’s apple, may be more visible because there’s less tissue to conceal them. A slender neck often accentuates any natural protrusions, making the Adam’s apple more noticeable even in women with average-sized larynxes.
2. Exposure to Testosterone
Another reason why a woman might have a more prominent Adam’s apple is related to hormonal exposure—specifically to testosterone. Women who have higher levels of testosterone, either naturally or due to medical conditions, may experience more masculine traits, including a larger larynx and a more noticeable Adam’s apple.
This can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Hormonal imbalances: Some women have naturally higher levels of testosterone, which can lead to features more typically associated with men, like a deeper voice and a more pronounced Adam’s apple.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause an increase in testosterone levels in women, potentially contributing to a more prominent laryngeal prominence.
- Hormone therapy: Women who have undergone hormone therapy with testosterone may also develop a noticeable Adam’s apple. This can remain even after discontinuing hormone therapy unless specific procedures are performed to reduce its prominence.
Can You Minimize the Adam’s Apple? The Tracheal Shave Procedure
If having a prominent Adam’s apple makes you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, there are cosmetic procedures available to reduce its visibility. One of the most common options is a tracheal shave, also known as chondrolaryngoplasty.
What Is a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size and prominence of the thyroid cartilage, making the Adam’s apple less visible. This is a popular procedure for both cisgender women and transgender women who want to feminize their appearance.
The surgery involves carefully shaving down the thyroid cartilage through a small incision made on the neck. The goal is to reduce the bump without affecting the surrounding structures, including the vocal cords. While it may sound intense, the procedure is relatively straightforward, and most patients experience a smooth recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tracheal Shave?
A tracheal shave is an excellent option for women who are bothered by the appearance of their Adam’s apple and want to achieve a smoother, more feminine neckline. It’s also commonly performed as part of facial feminization surgery for transgender women. Good candidates for this procedure include:
- Cisgender women with a naturally prominent Adam’s apple who are unhappy with its visibility.
- Transgender women who have undergone hormone therapy but still have a noticeable Adam’s apple due to previous testosterone exposure.
- Anyone seeking to feminize their neck area for personal or aesthetic reasons.
The Procedure and Recovery
The tracheal shave is typically performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia with sedation is sometimes used. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision, usually in a natural crease of the neck to minimize scarring. The surgeon will then carefully shave down the thyroid cartilage, ensuring that the vocal cords are not disturbed. A camera, called a laryngoscope, is used to visualize the vocal cords during the procedure to ensure the voice is not affected.
Recovery from a tracheal shave is generally quick. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, though strenuous activity should be avoided for a few weeks. Some swelling and bruising in the neck are normal, but this usually resolves within a week or two.
Patients may experience some temporary changes in their voice, such as hoarseness, but these are typically mild and short-lived. Full recovery usually takes about two weeks, and the results are permanent.
Embracing Your Natural Anatomy
While the visibility of an Adam’s apple is often associated with men, the truth is that both men and women can have a prominent laryngeal prominence. If you’re a woman with a visible Adam’s apple, it’s important to remember that this is just one part of what makes you unique. There’s no right or wrong way to look, and many women with more pronounced features choose to embrace them.
However, if your Adam’s apple is a source of discomfort or insecurity, you do have options, such as the tracheal shave procedure, to help you feel more confident in your appearance.
Final Thoughts
So, do women have an Adam’s apple? Absolutely, though it’s usually less prominent than in men. Factors like genetics, body structure, and hormonal exposure can lead to a more noticeable Adam’s apple in women, and while this is completely normal, some women may choose to minimize its appearance for personal reasons.
Whether you’re curious about the anatomy of the neck or considering a procedure like a tracheal shave, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options and find what’s best for you. Ultimately, the decision to keep or reduce the prominence of your Adam’s apple is entirely personal, and what matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
