Menopause causes a lot of changes in our lives. There are a lot of questions that come with these changes. One thing a lot of women wonder about is if vaginal odor changes after menopause. You may notice that things smell differently down there and wonder if menopause is the culprit.
You may wonder if something is wrong because of this change. Sometimes there isn’t a lot of great info out there about menopause. People may assume no one is searching for these answers online but that’s just not the case. The truth is you’re not alone and we’re here to help.
So let’s talk about vaginal odor and menopause. Does it change things? We have answers for you right here.
Does Vaginal Odor Change After Menopause?
In short, yes. A lot changes after menopause and vaginal odor can be one of those things. Your vagina goes through a lot and it’s not just about your period no longer coming. This can cause a change in odor that you might notice. It doesn’t mean anything is desperately wrong. it just means your body is changing and part of that change is your vaginal odor.
It also doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong in how you’re handling menopause. It’s just part of what happens and there’s nothing you can do to stop the changes going on. You’re doing a great job taking on all of the changes coming at you so don’t be hard on yourself about this change either.
What Causes These Changes In Odor?
As we’ve already mentioned, your vagina changes a lot during menopause. Those changes include things like vaginal dryness. You may notice more obvious things like a lack of period but the other changes matter too. Vaginal dryness and hormonal changes can be the reason you have different or changing vaginal odor.
Some of these changes are easy to miss or brush off. They aren’t as noticeable as other changes so you may not think of them when you wonder why your vaginal odor has changed. The truth is it’s these less noticeable changes that can make a big difference, especially in vaginal odor.
Related: Sex And Menopause
Can I Do Anything About My Vaginal Odor After Menopause?
As long as the odor isn’t strong or fishy, there’s not much you need to do. You can continue to wash your Vee with warm water and gentle soap. Not everything requires a huge change to your care routine.
You may need to talk with your doctor about concerns you have about these changes if you think they’re big enough to be an issue. Your doctor can help you figure out if you need to start using hormones and even prescribe the right ones for you.
Final Thoughts
Vaginal odor after menopause is a big deal. You may have a lot of questions about it. The best thing you can do is remember you aren’t alone. If you have questions you can’t find the answers to online, remember that your doctor is there to help too. Ask the hard questions so you can get back to being your wonderful self as soon as possible.
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.