Menopause Blues? Don't Let Vaginal Odour Be One of Them

The Connection Between Menopause and Vaginal Odour

Yes, it's the hormones that make the change in smell down there.

Did you know that it is the drop in estrogen levels that causes the vaginal odour to change during menopause?

Estrogen is a hormone responsible for vaginal tissue health and maintaining the proper pH balance. In addition to this, it promotes good bacterial growth that keeps away the fishy vaginal odours.

So, what really happens when your estrogen levels decrease? 

• Estrogen drop causes your vaginal tissue to lose suppleness, making it thinner, causing irritation and increasing the chance of infection and irritation, which cause the odours. 
• The shift in pH balance during menopause creates an environment for the bacteria to thrive, causing unpleasant smells to occur. 
• In addition to this, certain lifestyle practices can also cause vaginal odour to occur. Poor hygiene or wearing tight-fitting clothes or synthetic underwear can worsen your vaginal odour. 

So, how can you take care of yourself? 

Washing your vagina thoroughly using gentle soaps or intimate washes and wearing breathable clothes like cotton can help you maintain a healthy and happy vagina. Also, you need not hesitate to seek help from your doctor because your body is your right.

What are the Different Types of Vaginal Odour?

Various factors are responsible for different types of vaginal odour. The smell and intensity can vary from person to person. 

Now let's check out different types of vaginal odour.
1. Menopause Fishy Odour: The most common type, which is often described as a fishy smell. The fishy odour is usually caused by bacterial vaginosis, an infection that causes the vagina's natural balance to get disrupted. 
2. Sweet or Fruity Odour: A sweet or fruity odour can be an indicator of uncontrolled diabetes. The fruity odour occurs due to the excessive sugar in the urine and promotes bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.
3. Musty or Mouldy odour: This type of vaginal odour can be caused by poor hygiene of the vagina or tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing. This can also be a sign of yeast infection due to yeast overgrowth in the vagina.
4. Metallic Odour: A forgotten tampon or any other foreign objects in the vagina can cause the occurrence of metallic smell in your vagina. These changes can also be an indication of imbalances in hormone levels during menopause.
5. Strong and Pungent odour: A strong and pungent odour can be caused by sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as trichomoniasis, accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, and discharge.

Since various factors can cause vaginal odour during menopause, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for this. Also, vaginal odour need not always be a sign of infection or illness. Nevertheless, experiencing persistent vaginal odour can be an indication of any other medical condition which may need immediate help.

Does Vaginal Discharge Change during Menopause - Fact Check!

Unfortunately, the answer is yes!

So how does this happen? 

The changes in the vaginal discharge experienced during menopause are due to the decreased oestrogen levels. This drop in estrogen causes your vaginal walls to become thinner and dehydrated, leaving it extremely dry. This gradually causes a reduction in vaginal discharge. This makes your vagina prone to infections, which can cause foul-smelling discharge.

Note : Though the production of vaginal discharge during menopause may be reduced due to a reduction in estrogen levels, the appearance of thin, clear, or white is normal during menopause. 

Any type of unpleasant odour with symptoms like itching or burning can be a sign of underlying conditions, and medical care may be needed during menopause.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Vaginal Odour

Let's check out some of the easy tips and tricks to manage and prevent vaginal odour.

• Maintain good hygiene. Wash your vaginal area with mild, fragrance-free soap and water. This can help you prevent bacterial growth and the piling up of dead skin cells.
• Do not forget to wipe your vaginal area from the front to the back after using the toilet to avoid any type of infection from the anus.
• Avoid using harsh soaps, bubble baths, and scented products: This causes imbalances in your natural vaginal pH. This, in turn, causes irritation and odour. 
• Wearing cotton underwear can help you reduce vaginal irritations. Avoiding tight pants for a long time can prevent irritation and itching in your vagina.
• Unhygienic douching can produce a foul vaginal odour as it helps in bacterial growth. 
• Check for vaginal infections by using condoms to protect yourself from STDs and carrying out routine tests.
• Hydrate and detox your body by taking in plenty of water. This also helps in keeping your vagina clean.
• Sitting in wet clothes or workout clothes for a long time period can increase the chances of infection. 
  Include wholesome foods and practice a balanced diet, as this can help you maintain a healthy vagina.

Can Diet and Nutrition  Boost Your Vaginal Health?

Your body's oestrogen production decreases during menopause, which leads to changes in the vaginal pH balance, resulting in an infection-prone vagina. Include foods that promote a healthy vagina in your diet. This can help you prevent menopause-related vaginal odour and infections.

So, how can you balance your diet?

A diet that promotes a healthy vaginal pH and overall vaginal health during menopause may include the following:

• Fruits and vegetables can help to protect the vaginal tissue and promote overall health.
• Eating Brown rice and oats can help you to prevent constipation, haemorrhoids and anal fissures in some cases.
• Adding Chicken, fish, and legumes to your diet can help you manage a healthy weight. This reduces the risk of chronic health conditions, which may increase the risk of vaginal odour.
• Include yoghurt and fermented foods in your diet.
• Probiotic-rich foods promote healthy bacterial growth in your gut.
• Have plenty of Vitamin C rich foods like oranges and lemons.This helps you  to keep your body healthy and prevent infections.

What Foods Should be Avoided to Prevent Vaginal Odour?

There are foods that increase vaginal odour during menopause. Being mindful while eating and limiting the intake of these foods can help you deal with vaginal odour.

• Spicy foods can cause sweating which in turn causes a strong vaginal odour.
• Foods like garlic and onion, when consumed in large quantities, can worsen your vaginal odour.
• Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, contributing to vaginal odour.
• Processed foods  High in sugar and artificial ingredients can worsen your vaginal odour.
• Try not to include Fried foods in your diet. These foods are rich in unhealthy fats leading to inflammation and weight gain, which contributes to vaginal odour.

Ayurveda to Tackle Vaginal Odour

A traditional natural system of medicine from India , Ayurveda  has been an age-old medical practice used to promote overall health and well-being.

Here are a few natural Ayurvedic natural remedies for vaginal odour:

1. Triphala: Triphala is a blend of three fruits - Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amla- commonly used in Ayurveda to promote digestive health. In addition to its digestive properties, Triphala cleanses your body.  Sitz bath using Triphala decoction is also an effective way to reduce vaginal odour. 

2. Neem: Neem is rich in antimicrobial properties, and the use of its decoction in a sitz bath helps to maintain a healthy vagina.

3. Turmeric: Turmeric, due to its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, can be used topically or consumed. This helps you to prevent vaginal infections, which can cause odour.

4. Guggulu: Guggulu is a popular resin used in Ayurveda to help balance hormones and reduce inflammation. 

5. Shankhapushpi: Shankhapushpi herb can help you promote overall health as it helps balance hormones and reduce stress.

Herbal Remedies to Treat Vaginal Odour

Now let's look into a few Ayurvedic treatments that can help you manage vaginal odour during menopause.

1. Herbal douches: Douching the vagina with a herbal mixture of neem, turmeric, and Triphala can help you balance the pH levels of the vagina, thereby reducing bacterial growth.

2. Steam therapy: "Yoni steaming" is a treatment which involves sitting over a pot of steaming water with a herbal infuse of neem and turmeric, which effectively reduces inflammation of your vagina and promotes healing.

3. Herbal supplements: Herbal supplements such as ashwagandha and Shatavari can help balance hormones and reduce stress.

4. Diet and lifestyle changes: Your diet and lifestyle can make wonders happen by promoting overall health and well-being. Those little steps taken to change your diet and lifestyle can help you deal with vaginal odour better. This can include eating a balanced diet, which includes easily digestible food, practising yoga and meditation, and getting good sleep with moderate levels of exercise.

5. Panchakarma: Panchakarma is basically a popular Ayurvedic detox that internally cleanses your body by balancing the doshas, which include herbal enemas, oil massage, and sweating therapy.

Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine and take appropriate treatment options for your conditions.
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Follow Your Nose: Know When to Seek Medical Help for Menopause Vaginal Odour

It's essential to seek medical help if you are experiencing vaginal odour along with other symptoms such as:

• Vaginal burning
• Vaginal itching
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Pain  while urinating
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Lower abdomen pain

These symptoms can be an indication of a vaginal infection or any other underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.

Multiple sexual partners or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) history can increase the risk of your vagina getting infected. Therefore, reach out to your healthcare provider and seek medical help if you observe any change in your vaginal odour.

Conclusion

Though vaginal odour can be a part of menopause, dealing with vaginal odour can be made easy in natural and holistic ways. Identifying the root cause can help you address it with natural remedies, helping you maintain a healthy, happy and balanced vagina.