Is There a Link Between Menopause and Vaginal Odor?
Vaginal odor continues to change constantly—during different phases of your menstrual cycles and as you age. Not just that, but there are varying factors that can affect your vaginal odor at any given time.
Today however, we’ll be focusing on menopause and vaginal odor. Is there a link between the two? But first… what is menopause?
Menopause happens when one’s ovaries no longer release an egg each month. This, in turn, results in the end of the menstrual cycle completely.
Menopause usually happens at around the age of 45-58, but this may change from person to person, depending on factors such as genetics, previous pregnancies, body weight, and more.
Vaginal odor menopause is often a popular topic for discussion, so… let’s discuss it!
Explaining menopause vaginal odor
During menopause, one’s estrogen levels will begin to decline which will, in turn, cause the vaginal walls to thin.
This is then accompanied with vaginal dryness and less glucose. Ultimately this will cause the vaginal pH to rise.
Why is a higher vaginal pH something to be concerned about? With a higher pH, one is more susceptible to inflammation and vaginal infections.
So while the odor of your vagina during menopause will change, it’s important to monitor the smell.
If it is lingering and overwhelming, you may want to seek medical assistance. But if it is merely a change in smell that’s different, it is most likely due to the alkalinity of your vaginal pH.
A change in vaginal odor during menopause: how common is it?
As we’ve mentioned, a change in vaginal odor during menopause is completely normal. In fact, a study showed that 24 percent of menopausal women began to notice a change in their vaginal odor.
Interestingly, this same study found that those under 55 were more likely to admit a (change in) vaginal odor. 13 percent of women over the age of 75 however reported noticing a vaginal odor during menopause.
Does this mean that vaginal odor lessens the older one gets?
Does menopause cause vaginal odor?
As mentioned, a change in one’s pH can cause vaginal odor during menopause. But during this phase of life, one’s hormones are also changing.
With these two factors to consider, one’s vagina may start to feel and smell different.
So let’s dissect the question:
Can menopause cause vaginal odor?
A change in pH and change in hormones during menopause could result in:
- Inflammation: if you have an infection, your vagina could produce a strong and overwhelming smell.
- Discharge: when your vagina’s pH becomes more alkaline, you may experience a discharge that has a different smell.
Vaginal odor after menopause
Now that we’ve talked about vaginal odor during menopause, what about after menopause? As the aforementioned study suggests, the chances of having a strong vaginal odor the older one gets are quite high. But still, there could be vaginal odor after menopause.
You see, after menopause, one’s level of estrogen starts to lower. This, once again, results in a pH imbalance, which we know can cause a vaginal smell menopause and postmenopause.
The bottom line however, for those experiencing post menopause vaginal odor, is that it’s completely normal. Your body is continuously changing, which includes your vagina smell. It’s important to observe and listen to your body though, and seek professional assistance if you feel uncomfortable.
Other than that, menopause and postmenopause is a time in which to feel more free, to celebrate the end of periods, and to embrace your femininity. Try to focus on how to be happy during menopause and it’ll ensure confidence and a better quality of life.
How to make your vag smell good
And so, having spoken about vaginal odor and how different things can affect its smell, it’s only natural that you’d want to know how to make your vag smell good, right?
Consider the following options:
1. Don’t douche
Using a douche not only disrupts your vagina’s pH, but it can also cause an infection which could lead to a bad vaginal odor. Additionally, there is absolutely no need to clean the inside of your vagina at all, as it is self-cleaning.
2. Take a probiotic
Probiotics are great because they balance your body’s antibacterial ecosystem. This could help to remedy or prevent vaginal odor that’s uncomfortable.
3. Wear loose, breathable underwear
Especially during menopause, wearing loose and breathable underwear will allow air to circulate freely, and it can reduce or stop the transfer of anal bacteria to your vagina.
4. Use an intimate perfume
To enhance body confidence, you could use an intimate perfume. This particular Intimate Solid Perfume is pH-friendly, hydrating, and will leave your most kissable spots smelling absolutely beautiful.
When talking about menopause vaginal odor, the bottom line is: your vagina is beautiful and ever-changing. With love, try becoming more in-tune with your body to notice how it’s changing—whether it’s concerning or when it’s simply nature taking its course.
