How the Adam’s Apple Develops
At birth, the thyroid cartilage is present but barely noticeable. During puberty, hormonal changes—especially increased testosterone—cause the larynx and its cartilage to grow more rapidly in males. This growth makes the Adam’s apple more prominent.
In females, lower levels of testosterone mean the cartilage grows less dramatically and usually remains less visible. That’s why many women appear not to have an Adam’s apple, even though the structure is still there anatomically.
Why Adam’s Apples Vary in Size
Not all Adam’s apples look the same. Several factors influence how prominent they appear:
- Genetics: Inherited traits affect cartilage size and angle
- Hormones: Natural levels or hormone therapy can influence growth
- Neck anatomy: Fat distribution and neck shape affect visibility
- Age: Cartilage can stiffen or calcify over time, changing appearance
Because of this variation, some men have very noticeable Adam’s apples, while others barely show one. Some women may also have a visible laryngeal prominence depending on anatomy.
