You’ve probably seen it. A woman tilts her head back, and there it is—a distinct bump in the middle of her neck. Maybe you've wondered if that's "normal" or if you're misidentifying what you're seeing. Honestly, the answer is a straightforward yes. Can women have Adams apples? Absolutely. But the "why" and "how" are a bit more nuanced than most people realize because we’ve spent decades being told that this specific anatomical feature is a male-only trait.
It’s not.
Everyone has one. Seriously. Whether you identify as male, female, or non-binary, you have the underlying structure that forms an Adams apple. It’s just a piece of cartilage. Specifically, it’s the thyroid cartilage that wraps around your larynx (voice box). During puberty, everyone’s larynx grows. For most men, it grows a lot, tilts forward, and creates that sharp "laryngeal prominence." For most women, the growth is less dramatic, and the angle of the cartilage remains wider, keeping the neck line smoother. But "most" isn't "all."
The anatomy of the bump
Let’s get technical for a second, but not too boring. The larynx is basically a housing unit for your vocal cords. It’s made of several pieces of cartilage, and the biggest one is the thyroid cartilage. It’s shaped a bit like an open book facing the back of your throat. Where the two "pages" of that book meet in the front is what we call the laryngeal prominence.
In men, that angle is usually around 90 degrees. Think of it like a sharp corner. In women, that angle is typically closer to 120 degrees. It’s a softer, more rounded curve. Because it’s flatter, it usually stays hidden under the soft tissue of the neck. However, variations in genetics, hormone levels during puberty, and even just the thinness of someone's neck can make that 120-degree angle perfectly visible.
It’s just biology. It doesn't mean a woman has "too much" testosterone or a medical "condition." Sometimes, a bump is just a bump.
Why some women have a visible Adams apple
If you’re a woman and you’ve noticed a protrusion, there are a few reasons why it might be there. Genetics play the biggest role. If your mom or grandma had a more prominent larynx, you might too. It’s no different than inheriting a specific nose shape or a high forehead.
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Body composition matters too. Someone with very little body fat or a long, slender neck will naturally show more of their underlying skeletal and cartilaginous structure. In these cases, even a standard "female-angled" larynx can look quite prominent. It’s simply because there isn't much padding over it.
Then there’s the puberty factor.
The larynx grows in response to testosterone. While we think of testosterone as the "male" hormone, every woman has it too. If a girl has slightly higher androgen levels during those formative teenage years, her larynx might grow a bit larger or tilt a bit further forward than the average. This is frequently seen in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but it also happens in perfectly healthy women with no underlying endocrine issues.
Misidentifications and "The Lookalikes"
Sometimes, what looks like an Adams apple isn't thyroid cartilage at all. There are several other things that can cause a lump in the front of the neck.
- Thyroid Nodules: The thyroid gland sits just below the larynx. If it develops a cyst or a nodule, it can create a visible protrusion. These are incredibly common—some studies suggest up to 50% of people will have one by age 60—but they should always be checked by a doctor via ultrasound.
- Goiters: This is an enlargement of the entire thyroid gland. It usually looks more like a general swelling of the lower neck rather than a sharp bump, but it can be confusing at first glance.
- Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: These are a bit of a "glitch" from when you were a fetus. It’s a pocket of fluid left over from when the thyroid moved into its proper place during development. They often show up as a lump in the midline of the neck, usually in children or young adults.
- Lymph Nodes: While lymph nodes are usually on the sides of the neck, an enlarged one can sometimes pop up in the center.
If the bump moves up and down when you swallow, it’s almost certainly the larynx (the Adams apple). If it stays still, it’s likely something else.
The Psychological Weight of a Neck Bump
We can't talk about women having Adams apples without talking about the social stigma. For better or worse, we’ve coded this anatomical feature as "masculine." This leads to a lot of unnecessary anxiety for cisgender women who happen to have prominent cartilage. They might wear scarves in the summer or turtlenecks year-round. They might avoid certain hairstyles that expose the neck.
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It’s a weird thing to be self-conscious about, right? But in an age of high-definition cameras and constant selfies, these small "imperfections" get magnified.
Interestingly, the presence of a visible larynx is often used by "gender investigators" online to "expose" female celebrities. It's a toxic rabbit hole. They point to stars like Sandra Bullock or Kendall Jenner, claiming a visible neck bump is "proof" of something that isn't there. In reality, it’s just proof that they are humans with a larynx.
Can you make it go away?
If a woman is genuinely distressed by the appearance of her neck, there are options. This isn't just about vanity; for some, it’s about aligning their physical appearance with their sense of self or simply avoiding unwanted questions.
The most common procedure is a Chondrolaryngoplasty, more commonly known as a "tracheal shave."
This is a surgery where a specialist (usually an ENT or a plastic surgeon) makes a small incision—often hidden in a natural neck crease—and literally shaves down the thyroid cartilage. It’s a relatively quick outpatient procedure, but it’s not without risks. Since the vocal cords are attached to the inside of that cartilage, an over-aggressive shave can permanently change the voice.
Most surgeons will use a camera (endoscope) during the procedure to see exactly where the vocal cords attach to ensure they don't get too close. It’s a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality.
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Is it ever a medical emergency?
Usually, no. If you’ve always had a visible bump and it hasn't changed, it’s just your anatomy. However, you should definitely call a doctor if:
- The bump appeared suddenly.
- It’s painful to touch.
- You’re having trouble swallowing or feel like something is stuck in your throat.
- Your voice has become persistently hoarse for no reason.
- The lump is growing rapidly.
In these cases, the "Adams apple" might actually be an enlarged lymph node or a thyroid issue that needs medication or surgery. According to the American Thyroid Association, thyroid nodules are four times more common in women than in men, so it's always worth a professional look if you notice a new change.
The takeaway on women and Adams apples
We need to stop thinking of the Adams apple as a binary trait. It's a spectrum. Just like some women are tall and some men are short, some women have prominent larynxes and some men have almost invisible ones.
If you're a woman with a visible Adams apple, you're in good company. It's a natural variation of human anatomy. It doesn't define your femininity, and it certainly doesn't mean there's anything "wrong" with your hormones or your body.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Do the Swallow Test: Stand in front of a mirror and swallow. If the bump moves up and down in sync with your throat, it’s almost certainly just your larynx.
- Check for Symmetry: Most natural Adams apples are perfectly centered. If your bump is off to one side, it’s more likely to be a thyroid nodule or a lymph node and warrants a doctor’s visit.
- Track Changes: If you are concerned, take a photo once a month to see if the size or shape is shifting. If it stays the same, it's just part of your "blueprint."
- Consult an ENT: If the appearance bothers you or if you have any "lump in throat" sensations (globus pharyngeus), skip the general practitioner and go straight to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist for a scope. They can give you peace of mind in about ten minutes.