10 Science-Backed Tips To Manage Vaginal Odor During Menopause

You're not imagining it: vaginal odor can change during menopause, and it's rarely about "hygiene." As estrogen levels drop, vaginal pH and the vaginal microbiome shift, making odor more noticeable, especially with dryness and urinary leakage. 

About 24% of menopausal women report noticeable vaginal odor changes. Interestingly, 31% of women under 55 report experiencing odor, compared to 13% over 75, suggesting that odor may decrease with time after menopause. 

This Article Covers

• The estrogen–pH–microbiome shifts, causing vaginal odor changes

• Normal versus abnormal vaginal smell, discharge, and red flags

• Ten practical, medically sound steps to manage vaginal odor

• When to consider probiotics or hormone therapy with your clinician

Gentle on the Planet. Gentle on the Skin.

Crafted from 100% organic bamboo, Wype is gentle on sensitive skin and tough enough for everyday use. No bleach, no plastic, no fragrances, just clean comfort that does better by you and the planet. 

Shop Now

TL;DR

• Falling estrogen levels alter the pH and microbiome, resulting in more pungent or distinct odors.

• Most women notice changes in odor during menopause, and being aware of this can help alleviate shame.

• A mild, steady odor is typical; a sharp or sudden odor accompanied by symptoms requires medical review.
  

• Simple habits can help: gentle washing, breathable clothing, hydration, probiotics, removing irritants, using bamboo tissue, and seeking medical or hormonal support when needed.

Why Vaginal Odor Changes During Menopause

Estrogen doesn't just influence periods; it helps maintain a healthy vaginal wall, natural lubrication, and an acidic vaginal pH (about 3.8–4.5) that supports a Lactobacillus‑dominant vaginal microbiome. 

As menopause progresses, estrogen levels drop, the vaginal wall thins (vaginal atrophy), lubrication declines, and vaginal pH becomes more alkaline. This drives changes in vaginal microbiota and can lead to a distinct vaginal scent that feels new to you. Understanding this shift helps you act early and avoid unnecessary worry.

Estrogen's Role

• Supports glycogen in the vaginal wall by feeding Lactobacillus, which produces lactic acid.

• Keeps vaginal pH low (acidic), discouraging the growth of odor-producing bacteria.

• Promotes lubrication and tissue elasticity, reducing irritation.

What Changes With Low Estrogen

• Elevated vaginal pH and less Lactobacillus; more anaerobic bacteria.

• Drier, thinner tissue with less exfoliation leads to a more noticeable odor.

• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) clusters symptoms: vaginal dryness, irritation, odor changes, UTIs, incontinence, and pain with sex.

The Chemistry of Vagina Odor

Certain bacteria (for example, Prevotella, Megasphaera, Veillonella, E. coli, Dialister, Parvimonas, and Peptostreptococcus) can produce biogenic amines, like putrescine and cadaverine, behind "fishy" vaginal odor. Odor may intensify with the presence of moisture (such as sweat or urine) and an elevated vaginal pH.

If scented wipes and bleached tissues irritate your vulva, consider making the switch to unscented products. Wype offers unbleached bamboo toilet paper with no fragrances, dyes, PFAS, formaldehyde, or chlorine. It's designed to help you keep the vaginal area clean without adding irritants that can worsen odor or discomfort.

Normal vs. Abnormal Vagina Odor and When to Worry

You can have a slight odor and still have optimal vaginal health. A healthy vagina has a natural odor that shifts with diet, hydration, sex, and the cycle. What matters is recognizing patterns and red flags.

Normal, Healthy Vaginal Odors

• Musky or fleshy baseline scent.

• Mild metallic/coppery notes around bleeding.

• Slight odor variations with foods like garlic or asparagus.

Abnormal Odors That Need Medical Attention

• Strong, persistent fishy odor: Common with bacterial vaginosis.

• A rotten or spoiled smell May signal a more serious infection.

• Ammonia/bleach-like smell: Often related to urinary leakage.

Read Next:

Best Nontoxic Toilet Paper For Sensitive Skin

The Best Natural Toilet Paper Brands

Wype the Right Way

Your skin absorbs more than you think. That’s why Wype’s bamboo tissue keeps it clean, no bleach, no fragrance, no toxins. Just natural bamboo care that feels good and does good.

• ✔ Naturally Hypoallergenic
• ✔ No Bleach, Toxins, or PFAS
• ✔ FSC Certified

Shop Now

10 Tips To Manage Vaginal Odor During Menopause

A few targeted changes can quickly reduce unwanted vaginal odor, often within days. Follow these steps consistently and track what helps.

1. Practice Evidence-Based Hygiene

Do:

• Wash the vulva (external genital area) daily with warm water; pat dry.

• If desired, use a mild, unscented soap on the vulva only.

• Change underwear daily.

Don't:

• Avoid douching and never wash inside the vaginal canal.

• Skip scented wipes, sprays, or deodorants on the vulva.

Why it works: The vagina is self‑cleaning; douching and harsh products disrupt healthy vaginal flora, raise pH, and increase the risk of infection like bacterial vaginosis.

2. Choose Breathable, Cotton-First Clothing

Best choices:

• 100% cotton underwear; consider skipping underwear overnight.

• Looser pants/skirts to reduce heat and moisture buildup.

Avoid:

• Daily thongs, tight leggings for long periods, and silk or synthetics (nylon/poly/spandex) that trap moisture.

Laundry tip:

• Wash with fragrance-free detergent; avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as they can leave residue in the vaginal area.

3. Eat for a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome

Emphasize:

• Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber.

• Probiotic‑rich foods (yogurt with live cultures, kefir, fermented foods).

Limit:

• Processed foods, refined carbs, excess sugar, and high saturated fats (linked to higher BV risk and more severe menopause symptoms).

• Strong‑smelling foods, if you notice, they transiently change vaginal smell.

4. Hydrate to Support pH and Skin

Aim for:

• At least 8 glasses/day (more with heat or activity).

Benefits:

• Dilutes urine (less ammonia smell with leakage) and supports natural lubrication, healthy sweating, and skin integrity in the vaginal area.

5. Switch to Unbleached, Toxin-Free Toilet Paper

Why it matters:

• Bleach, dyes, fragrances, PFAS, and formaldehyde in paper products irritate the vulva and disrupt vaginal pH at the surface.

• Daily contact with chemically laden tissue can amplify irritation and worsen odor.

What to choose:

• bamboo tissue paper with no bleach, dyes, PFAS, formaldehyde, or BPA.

• Strong yet soft, non-shedding paper that minimizes residue and friction.

• Plastic-free packaging to reduce hidden irritants.

The difference:

• A gentler daily choice removes a common trigger and supports consistent comfort during menopause.

6. Proactively Manage Incontinence

Daily:

• Use bladder-specific absorbent products and change them promptly.

• Rinse and dry the vulva after leaks.

• Practice Kegels with good form; seek pelvic PT if unsure.

Talk to your clinician:

• Consider local vaginal estrogen, medicines, or other interventions if symptoms persist.

7. Use pH‑Balanced Moisturizers and Lubricants

Pick:

• pH 3.8–4.5, water‑based, fragrance‑free, dye‑free, glycerin‑free and paraben‑free if sensitive.

• Hyaluronic‑acid moisturizers 2–3 times weekly; use a lubricant during sex to reduce friction.

Avoid:

• Petroleum jelly, flavored/scented or "tingling/warming" products, and oil-based lubes with latex condoms.

8. Eliminate Common Irritants

Avoid:

• Douches, "feminine sprays," scented wipes, perfumed tampons/pads/liners, fragranced bubble baths or body washes on the vulva.

• Harsh detergents, fabric softeners/dryer sheets, scented toilet paper.

Bottom line:

• These products disrupt vaginal pH, kill beneficial bacteria, and can worsen odor and irritation.

9. Consider Targeted Probiotics

Options:

• Oral or vaginal probiotics with strains studied for vaginal health, such as Lactobacillus crispatus (LbV 88), L. rhamnosus GR‑1, L. reuteri RC‑14, and L. acidophilus YT1.

Why:

• These strains may help restore a healthy vaginal microbiome, support a lower vaginal pH, and ease vaginal discomfort—especially when paired with clinician‑guided therapies.

Note:

• Evidence for odor alone is limited, but overall vaginal health often improves.

10. Discuss Hormone Therapy With Your Clinician

Local (vaginal) estrogen:

• Very low-dose creams, rings, or tablets; minimal systemic absorption; often first‑line for GSM symptoms (dryness, irritation, UTIs, odor changes).

• Can lower vaginal pH, increase Lactobacillus, reduce bacteria linked to BV, and improve tissue thickness and lubrication.

Systemic HRT:

• Oral, patches, gels/creams that treat whole‑body menopause symptoms.

• Requires an individualized risk-benefit assessment, especially considering age and medical history.

Alternatives:

• Ospemifene (SERM) is a non‑hormonal option for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia; may support healthy vaginal microbiota.

Safety:

• Breast cancer and clot risks are individualized; local estrogen has a lower risk profile. Partner with a trusted clinician.

How Bamboo Tissue Supports Vaginal Health During Menopause

Especially during menopause, the vulva may be drier, more sensitive, and more reactive to chemicals. 

Tissues, wipes, and liners come into contact with the vaginal area daily; if they contain bleach, fragrances, or PFAS, they can irritate the tissue and disrupt balance. A cleaner paper choice isn't a cure, but it helps remove a common trigger.

Why Unbleached, Toxin‑Free Matters

• Avoids chlorine bleach, dyes, fragrances, PFAS, and formaldehyde that can irritate skin and affect vaginal pH at the surface.

• Minimizes residue and friction for a cleaner, gentler wipe.

Practical Upgrade

Choose strong, soft, unbleached bamboo with plastic‑free packaging to cut down hidden irritants near the vulva.

Scenario-first note: If you're sensitive to scented or bleached paper, switching to unbleached bamboo can help you maintain vaginal cleanliness without the additives that may contribute to odor and irritation, providing you with everyday comfort and consistency.

Lifestyle Factors That Reduce Odor (And Stress)

You influence odor beyond the bathroom. Sex, stress, sleep, and sweat all affect the vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Sexual Activity

• Semen has a higher pH than the vagina and can temporarily raise vaginal pH; using condoms can help.

• Urinate and gently rinse with warm water after sex; pat dry.

• New partners can introduce new bacteria; watch for changes in your vaginal discharge or odor, as well as other symptoms.

Stress

• Chronic stress shifts hormones and immune function, potentially impacting vaginal flora.

• Add a short daily practice (breathwork, yoga, walking) to support hormone balance and sleep.

Exercise and Sleep

• Regular movement improves circulation and weight management; change out of sweaty clothes quickly.

• Prioritize consistent sleep; poor sleep can worsen menopause symptoms and reduce resilience.

Read Next:

Best Bamboo Toilet Paper For Softness

Myth-Busting: Vaginal Odor During Menopause

• "A healthy vagina should be odorless." False. A slight odor is typical; the goal is to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and a mild scent, rather than a perfume-like scent.

• "Douching keeps things clean." False. Douching raises vaginal pH, disrupts the protective bacteria, and increases the risk of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.

• "Odor during menopause means poor hygiene." False. Hormonal changes and elevated vaginal pH contribute to odor; excessive washing can exacerbate it.

• "Home remedies like garlic or yogurt inside the vagina are safe." False. These can irritate tissue and harm a healthy vaginal microbiome.

• "Hormone therapy is too dangerous to consider." Not necessarily. Many women benefit, especially those who use local estrogen. Discuss personalized risks and benefits with your clinician.

 

Your Skin Deserves Better.

Trade bleach and PFAS for pure, unbleached bamboo. Wype keeps toxins out of your tissue, and off your skin.

Shop Now

Key takeaways:

• Keep the vaginal area fragrance-free and pH-friendly: avoid douches, scented wipes, and perfumed products. Rinse the vulva with warm water and gently pat dry.

• Choose breathable cotton, manage incontinence promptly, hydrate, and consider pH-balanced moisturizers/lubes; review new medications or products if odor changes.

• Discuss probiotics or local estrogen with your healthcare provider to support Lactobacillus, lower vaginal pH, and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

Choosing the right tissue shouldn't be a guessing game. Look for research-driven, toxin-free products with transparent ingredient lists and clear exclusions. Try unbleached bamboo toilet paper risk-free with a trial pack, or explore more at wype.