You’re looking in the mirror, tilting your head back to blend your foundation, and there it is. A bump. Right in the middle of your neck. It’s a bit jarring because, let's be real, we’ve been told since middle school health class that only boys get those. But here you are. You’re wondering, "Why do I have an Adam's apple as a girl?" and maybe you're even a little worried about it.
First off, breathe. You aren't "turning into a man." You aren't a medical anomaly. Honestly, every single human being—regardless of their biological sex or gender identity—has the exact same anatomical structure that forms an Adam's apple.
It's just a piece of cartilage. Specifically, it's the thyroid cartilage.
The Anatomy of the "Bump"
Think of your larynx, or voice box, like a delicate instrument. To protect it, your body wraps it in several pieces of cartilage. The biggest one is the thyroid cartilage. When we go through puberty, our bodies change, and the larynx grows. In most people assigned male at birth, a surge of testosterone causes the larynx to grow significantly larger and the cartilage to tilt forward at a sharper angle. That sharp angle is what creates the visible protrusion we call an Adam's apple.
For those assigned female at birth, the growth is usually more subtle. The angle remains wider—about 120 degrees compared to the 90-degree angle often found in men. Because the angle is wider, it typically stays flat against the neck. But "typically" isn't "always." Anatomy is a spectrum, not a rigid set of rules.
Some women simply have a slightly larger larynx. It’s often just genetic. If your mom or your aunt has a more prominent neck structure, you likely will too. It’s no different than inheriting a specific nose shape or a high arch in your foot.
The Role of Body Composition and Genetics
Sometimes, the reason you’re noticing a visible Adam's apple has nothing to do with the size of the cartilage itself and everything to do with what’s surrounding it.
✨ Don't miss: Why Sometimes You Just Need a Hug: The Real Science of Physical Touch
If you have a very slender neck or low body fat percentage, the underlying structures of your throat are going to be more visible. There’s less subcutaneous fat to "cushion" the area and smooth out the profile of the neck. Conversely, if you have a very short neck, the cartilage might sit in a way that makes it pop out more when you speak or swallow.
It’s also worth noting that some women have a condition called laryngocele, which is basically a small fluid or air-filled sac in the larynx. This is rare, but it can make the area look more prominent. More commonly, though, what people think is an Adam's apple is actually a thyroid nodule or an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
The thyroid gland sits right below the laryngeal prominence. If it’s swollen due to something like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or iodine deficiency, it can create a lump that looks suspiciously like a "male" neck feature.
Hormones and the Voice Box
Let’s talk about hormones for a second because that's usually where people’s minds go first. While a visible bump doesn't automatically mean you have a hormonal imbalance, it can sometimes be a clue.
High levels of testosterone in women—a condition often associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—can occasionally cause the larynx to grow slightly more than average. If you’ve also noticed things like excess facial hair, persistent cystic acne, or irregular periods, it’s worth bringing up to a doctor. But even then, the "bump" is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Interestingly, the term "Adam's apple" is actually a bit of a misnomer in medical circles. Doctors call it the laryngeal prominence. The name comes from the old folklore about a piece of the forbidden fruit getting stuck in Adam's throat. It’s a myth that has stuck around for centuries, reinforcing the idea that this is a gender-exclusive trait. It isn't.
🔗 Read more: Can I overdose on vitamin d? The reality of supplement toxicity
Famous Examples and Social Perception
If you feel self-conscious, look at high-fashion runways or Hollywood. Many iconic women have prominent neck structures. It’s often considered a "high fashion" look because it emphasizes a long, graceful neck.
Take a look at stars like Sandra Bullock or Meg Ryan. Depending on the lighting and the angle of their head, you can clearly see the laryngeal prominence. It hasn't hindered their careers or their femininity. In fact, in the world of professional singing, a larger larynx is sometimes associated with a deeper, richer vocal resonance, which is a total "win" if you're a contralto or a jazz singer.
The social stigma is mostly a byproduct of our desire to categorize everything into "male" or "female" boxes. But biology is messy. It’s full of overlaps.
When Should You Actually Worry?
Most of the time, "why do I have an Adam's apple as a girl" is a question of aesthetics, not health. However, there are a few red flags.
If the bump appeared suddenly, it's not an Adam's apple. Cartilage grows slowly during puberty; it doesn't just pop up overnight in your 20s. A sudden lump could be a cyst, a swollen lymph node, or a thyroid issue.
- Does it move when you swallow? An Adam’s apple (the laryngeal prominence) will move up and down when you gulp.
- Is it painful? Cartilage shouldn't hurt. If the area is tender, it’s likely an inflammation or infection.
- Is your voice changing? If your voice has become suddenly raspy or hoarse along with the appearance of the bump, that warrants a trip to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist).
Managing the Appearance
If you’ve ruled out medical issues and you just plain don't like how it looks, you have options.
💡 You might also like: What Does DM Mean in a Cough Syrup: The Truth About Dextromethorphan
Some women use contouring makeup to soften the lines of the neck. By using a slightly darker shade of foundation or bronzer on the protrusion and a lighter shade around it, you can visually "flatten" the area. It’s the same principle as contouring your cheekbones.
For those who feel significant distress—perhaps due to gender dysphoria or a deep-seated insecurity—there is a surgical procedure called a chondrolaryngoplasty, more commonly known as a "tracheal shave." This involves a surgeon shaving down the thyroid cartilage to create a smoother neck profile. It’s a common procedure in facial feminization surgery, but it’s also performed on cisgender women who simply have a prominent laryngeal growth.
However, surgery comes with risks, including potential changes to your vocal cords. It’s a big step for something that is, for most people, a perfectly normal anatomical variation.
Moving Forward
The most important thing to remember is that your body isn't "wrong." Having a visible laryngeal prominence is just one way a human body can be built. It doesn't define your femininity.
If you are genuinely concerned about the shape or size of your neck, your first step should be a simple physical exam. A GP can feel the area to ensure it's actually cartilage and not your thyroid gland. They might order a quick ultrasound if they’re unsure.
But if it’s just a bump that’s been there since your teens? It’s likely just you. And that’s fine.
Next Steps for Peace of Mind:
- Perform a Swallow Test: Stand in front of a mirror and swallow some water. If the bump moves up and down in sync with your voice box, it’s almost certainly your laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
- Check for Symmetry: Feel the area gently. A normal Adam's apple is centered. If the lump is off to one side, it's more likely a lymph node or a thyroid nodule.
- Hormonal Screening: If you have other symptoms like irregular hair growth or extreme fatigue, ask your doctor for a full endocrine panel to check your testosterone and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels.
- Practice Neutral Posture: Sometimes "tech neck"—hunching over a phone—makes the structures of the neck protrude more. Working on your cervical spine alignment can often change how your neck looks in photos.