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Why your rules feel and what to do on this subject

Most of the odors linked to the period (menstrual) are harmless and result from natural changes in the body, such as hormonal changes, blood circulation or diet. But sometimes, a change of odor can be the sign of an infection or a product of a forgotten period.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

Why your rules may feel stronger than usual

The period of period contains iron, a mineral that your body uses to transport oxygen. When the iron oxidizes (reacts with the air and begins to decompose), it can create a metal odor. This is often the first perfume you notice during your period.

Your period of period could also change the month to another, and that’s normal. Certain potential causes of smell changes include:

  • Bacteria: Blood can mix with the natural bacteria of your vagina, as well as sweat and discharge, leading to a smell. These are all standard parts of the process of autonomy of your body.
  • Hygiene: When blood and discharge are seated in a stamp or a stamp, the smell can become stronger over time. The perfume can be more visible if you do not often change your product from the time or if you have a heavier flow.
  • Hormonal quarter: Hormone shifts throughout your cycle affect your vaginal pH, which measures how acidic or basic your vaginal environment is. During your period, your pH becomes less acidic, which facilitates the growth of certain bacteria, which can cause a more notable odor.

Factors that contribute

A light metallic, earthy or moldy odor during your period is typical. However, you may notice a stronger blood smell due to things like:

  • Antibiotics or control of hormonal births
  • Dehydration (do not drink enough liquids)
  • Eat foods like garlic
  • Heavier or longer periods
  • Does not often change period products
  • Smoking
  • Stress, which can affect your body chemistry

Conditions related to vaginal odors

A stronger perfume is generally harmless. But other odors, such as a smell of fish, rotten or unusual sweet, may indicate an underlying health problem.

  • Bacterial vaginosis: A smell of fish can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in normal bacteria in the vagina.
  • Stamped or menstrual stamp: A rotten odor can be caused by a chosen stamp or a menstrual cup.
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI): Sexually transmitted infections (IST) as trichomonase can also cause shady or unusual vaginal odors.
  • Trimethylamury (Confirmable): In rare cases, a smell of fish can come from TMAU, a condition that occurs when your body cannot decompose trimethylamine, a chemical that accumulates and comes out in your sweat, your urine or your vaginal liquids. Hormonal changes during your period can make the smell more visible.

The factors that make odors of the period more perceptible

You may feel like you can feel through your pants, especially when you are on your period. However, you are probably the only one to notice it in most cases.

The heat, humidity and friction under clothing can make the smells of blood, sweating or vaginal flows stronger, especially if you wear tight pants or synthetic tissues that imprison heat and limit the flow of air.

The following factors can also make vaginal or periodic odors more visible:

  • Do not change frequently
  • Sexual activity
  • Accumulation of sweat from hot or physical activity
  • Tight or not refined clothing
  • Urine leaks
  • Bacterial yeast infections or imbalances

How to manage odors linked to the period

Hydrate and eat healthy

Drink a lot of water and eat a balanced diet. Regimes rich in fats, sugar and processed foods can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can cause a fish smell. Emphasize food such as:

  • Fruit
  • Lean protein
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains

A diet rich in nutrients lowers the risk of imbalance or infection.

Practice healthy hygiene

Here are some tips that can help you feel cooler and more confident during your period:

  • Bathe or take a shower every day
  • Transform into clean and dry underwear and pants daily or after exercise
  • Use lukewarm water to gently clean your vulva (outside your vagina)
  • Wash the folds of your groin and your background with a soft and not fragrant soap
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear and loose clothes

Manage blood circulation

To manage blood circulation, some people prefer menstrual cups or period underwear, which can trap less odor than pads or pads. Regardless of the product you choose, follow these care guidelines to reduce the smell:

  • Change of periods of period at least daily
  • Change the sanitary pads every 3 to 4 hours
  • Change the stamps every 4 to 8 hours
  • Empty, rinsed and reinsertic menstrual cups at least twice a day

Avoid scented products and Douching

Although it can be tempting to use scented stamps, buffers, spraying, powders or wipes, it is best to avoid them. Severe products can irritate sensitive tissues and disturb your vaginal pH balance, aggravating odors instead of improving. It is also preferable to jump the shower, rinsing or washing inside your vagina. Your vagina is naturally cleaned and falling can eliminate healthy bacteria and increase your risk of infection.

When to talk to a health care provider

Although most menstrual smells are harmless, some changes indicate a problem requiring medical care. Contact a supplier if you think you have forgotten a tampon or menstrual cup and you cannot remove it, you think you can have an STI, or if you notice one of the following symptoms:

  • A smell of fish, coarse or rotten
  • Fever
  • Pelvic pain (between hips) or painful sex
  • The smell lasts after your period
  • Unusual vaginal discharge (green, yellow, gray, large or aqueous)
  • Urinary pain, burn or emergency
  • Vaginal itching, burns or redness

Main to remember

  • Most menstrual smells are harmless and result from natural changes in the body, such as hormonal changes, blood circulation or diet.
  • Drink water, eat a diet density of nutrients and implement healthy menstrual hygiene to help minimize notable odors.
  • Consult a health care provider if something seems to be off or if you have other symptoms.
Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy habits: menstrual hygiene.

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  8. MEDLINEPLUS. TRIMETHYLAMINURY.

  9. Noormomadi M, Eslamian G, Kazemi SN, et al. Association between food models and bacterial vaginosis: a case-control study. SCI REP. 2022; 12: 12199. Two: 10.1038 / S41598-022-16505-8

  10. Wireko S, Ofosu M, AGYEMANG F, DANKLUVI HE, COBBINA AE. Vaginal droy and health risks in young women. SCI SCI REP. 2024; 7 (2): E1882. DOI: 10.1002 / HSR2.1882

  11. American college of obstetricians and gynecologists. Vaginitis.


By Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed Rn-BC

Jones is an authorized nurse and independent health writer with more than two decades of health care experience.

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