Some vaginal discharge is normal throughout a person’s life. The amount of discharge may increase or decrease around menopause for various reasons.
After menopause, the body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Very low levels of estrogen can have many effects throughout the body.
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Menopause occurs when a person’s menstruation stops for 12 months in a row, but people may begin to notice bodily changes several years before this in a period known as perimenopause.
Many people experience changes in their vaginal discharge before and after menopause. This article looks at these changes, what they mean, and when to contact a doctor.
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- vaginal atrophy, or a thinning or breakdown of vaginal tissue
- urethral atrophy, or a thinning or breakdown of urinary tract tissue
- a decreased libido, or a lower sex drive
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itchiness, and painful intercourse. Vaginal atrophy occurs in about 50% of people within 3 years of menopause.
Although vaginal dryness is common after menopause, some people may experience increased vaginal discharge.
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Vaginal atrophy can sometimes cause vaginal discharge. Discharge may also appear after local irritation, such as after sexual intercourse.
Excess estrogen during perimenopause can also lead to vaginal discharge, as can:
- vaginal infections
- irritants
- skin conditions affecting the vulva, or vulvovaginal dermatoses
The vagina produces secretions to lubricate the vaginal walls. Some people experience increased discharge during perimenopause and reduced discharge after menopause.
Vaginal discharge is often normal, but some characteristics could indicate the presence of an infection or other condition. It is important to determine when discharge is healthy and when to contact a doctor.
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Knowing the difference between typical discharge and unusual discharge is important for people before, during, and after menopause.
Healthy vaginal discharge is typically white or clear. However, the amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary widely from person to person.
Normal vaginal discharge has the following characteristics:
- clear or white
- does not stick to the walls of the vagina
- pools in the posterior fornix, which is a large recess behind the cervix
Healthy vaginal discharge also does not have a bad smell.
People who have passed menopause may develop vaginal atrophy because of the drop in estrogen levels, which causes the walls of the vagina to become thinner.
Vaginal atrophy can sometimes cause vaginal discharge, especially after something, such as sexual contact, has irritated the vagina.
If discharge appears thin, watery, and yellow or gray, it might indicate a rise in alkalinity and an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria can lead to infections and inflammation of the vagina.
People with bacterial infections of the vagina
Yeast infections are another cause of unhealthy vaginal discharge, but they are
Discharge can sometimes contain blood, but this is not always postmenopausal bleeding.
If a person is concerned about their vaginal discharge and whether or not it indicates a problem, they may benefit from speaking with a doctor.
Bad-smelling vaginal discharge that appears yellow or gray could indicate an infection.
A doctor may collect a sample to test the bacteria present in the discharge. Not all bacterial infections of the vagina will require treatment.
Healthcare providers can offer various treatments for vaginal infections and vaginal atrophy, which are two possible causes of vaginal discharge around menopause.
People can treat bacterial vaginosis with antibiotics. Treatments for yeast infections include antifungal creams or ointments.
Some treatment options for vaginal atrophy include:
- using an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer every few days to keep the vagina lubricated, which prevents irritation
- using vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse to reduce friction
- taking prescription medications to treat vaginal dryness, which can include hormonal birth control, menopausal hormone therapy, or prescription estrogen creams, gels, or rings
For optimal vaginal health,
People should also be cautious when using hygienic products such as wipes, powders, and sprays, as these may disturb the natural bacterial environment of the vagina.
Vaginal douches may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis, so it may be better to avoid these.
People experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy can often reduce the discomfort by using treatments for vaginal dryness, such as estrogen products.
During menopause, vaginal dryness and discharge are the two most common complaints.
With changes in hormone levels that occur during menopause, people may experience a variety of symptoms, including vaginal discharge.
It is important to know when vaginal discharge is normal and when it is abnormal. Yellow or gray, thick, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge indicates that a person should contact a doctor.