Can menopause cause smelly discharge?

Menopause can cause several changes in vaginal health that may lead to increased vaginal discharge and odor. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the vaginal tissues become thinner, drier, and less acidic. This can allow unhealthy bacteria to overwrite healthy bacteria, leading to bacterial vaginosis - a common cause of smelly vaginal discharge.
Some key points about menopause, vaginal health changes, and smelly discharge:

• Declining estrogen causes vaginal cell walls to thin and produce less lubricating mucus. This leads to dryness and irritation.


• The vagina's pH becomes less acidic. This allows unhealthy bacteria to grow, causing infection and odor.


• Atrophy (thinning) of vaginal walls also contributes to increased risk of infection.


• Common infections like bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections can cause foul-smelling discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis is especially common during menopause. The imbalance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria causes gray, watery discharge with a fishy odor.

Yeast infections may also increase during menopause due to hormonal shifts, antibiotic use, impaired immunity, and higher blood sugar levels. Yeast overgrowth contributes to thick, white, clumpy discharge with yeasty odor.

Use over-the-counter vaginal pH test strips to help identify root causes of vaginal odor changes.

What causes smelly discharge during menopause?

The most common culprits of smelly vaginal discharge during menopause include:

• Bacterial vaginosis - fishy odor, gray/white discharge


• Yeast infections - yeasty odor, thick white discharge


• Atrophic vaginitis - musty/foul odor, yellow discharge


• Foreign objects - foul odor, colored discharge

Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are especially prone to imbalances in vaginal pH and bacteria. As mentioned, low estrogen thins vaginal cell walls and reduces protective mucus. This allows for overgrowth of organisms like gardnerella bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) and Candida yeast.

Sometimes overlooked causes can contribute too, like leaving a tampon in too long or skin reaction to scented pads/tampons. Pay attention to any odor changes, especially after intercourse or menstruation.

Try Second Spring Hormone Clinic's individualized bioidentical hormone therapy to help restore hormonal balance and vaginal health from menopause-related changes. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.

When to see a doctor

Most cases of smelly discharge from menopause-related changes are treatable at home using over-the-counter remedies and healthy vaginal habits. But make an appointment with your gynecologist if you notice any of the following:

• Gray, yellow, or green discharge with foul odor


• Itching, burning, pain, or swelling around genitals


• Lower abdominal cramping/pain


• Bleeding after intercourse


• Fever over 100°F


• No improvement in symptoms after OTC treatments

Get evaluated promptly for infection or other issues needing medical treatment. Be prepared to describe your symptoms, any related factors, and over-the-counter efforts attempted.

Your doctor can test vaginal pH and discharge to diagnose common vaginal infections. From there they can prescribe antibiotic or antifungal medication, recommend appropriate hormone therapy, and advise on maintaining vaginal health during menopause.

Second Spring Hormone Clinic provides individualized care and treatment plans to help address menopause-related changes. Click below to learn more or book a telehealth appointment with one of our hormone specialists.

Hope this overview on smelly vaginal discharge helps explain how menopause impacts vaginal health and bacteria balance. Stay aware of any concerning symptoms and don't hesitate to talk with your doctor. With the right treatment plan, you can get relief and feel your best during this transition.