Yes, menopause can indirectly cause smelly urine, primarily by lowering estrogen, which makes the urinary tract more prone to infections (like UTIs), and by weakening pelvic floor muscles, potentially leading to urine leakage that mixes with other odors. These changes, along with common culprits like dehydration, certain foods, or underlying conditions, can create a strong, often ammonia-like, smell.
The natural decrease in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause can also render women more susceptible to UTIs, which also results in urine that smells like ammonia.
This may be due to changes in the balance of hormones in the sweat, such as a higher proportion of testosterone to oestrogen, as touched on above. Some women describe their menopause body odour as smelling like urine, and even cat pee, which could be caused by excess ammonia due to increased amounts of apocrine sweat.
It's common for pregnant women to notice a change in their urine smell. The change could be caused by various factors, including pregnancy hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and dietary changes that affect the vitamins, minerals, and proteins in your diet.
The characteristic odor of urine is likely due to the presence of volatile organic compounds, or VOC's, which are eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Strong urine odors may be related to metabolic conditions, infections, or dehydration.
Foul-smelling urine may be due to bacteria. Sweet-smelling urine may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or a rare disease of metabolism. Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine.
Nonenal® (also known as 2-Nonenal) is a naturally occurring compound responsible for the distinct odor associated with aging. It typically appears after age 40, becoming more noticeable in both men and women.
Women going through menopause are more likely to contract urinary problems in general, not just incontinence. These issues may include UTIs. If urinary incontinence is not treated, it can lead to health problems such as: a greater risk of UTIs.
You should worry about urine smell and see a doctor if it's persistent, accompanied by fever, pain/burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, or if it smells sweet (potential diabetes) or rotten (potential infection/kidney stones). While often temporary due to dehydration or food, persistent strong or unusual odors, especially with other symptoms, warrant medical attention to rule out UTIs, diabetes, or other conditions.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones play a significant role in body odor. During puberty, increased hormone production, especially in teenagers, often leads to stronger body odor. Later in life, hormonal shifts—particularly during menopause in women—can also affect body odor.
Hot flashes or flushes are, by far, the most common symptom of menopause. About 75% of all women have these sudden, brief, periodic increases in their body temperature.
Things you can do if you have smelly pee
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During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can lead to a reduction in good bacteria like Lactobacilli, causing an elevated vaginal pH and significant changes in the vaginal microbiome. This can make you more susceptible to vaginal infections, as well as changes in the type and smell of vaginal discharge.
A core function of the kidneys is to clean your blood by expelling waste products and excess fluid as urine. So if you've noticed a change in your urine — such as color, cloudiness or unusual smell — it could be a sign that your kidney health is at risk.
Low estrogen during perimenopause causes hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, brain fog, headaches, and joint aches, reflecting hormonal fluctuations affecting physical and mental health as the body transitions to menopause.
STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can cause foul-smelling urine or discharge. Medications. Medications that contain sulfonamides (sulfa) can make your pee smell like rotten eggs as your body breaks down sulfa into sulfur. Sulfa is common in many antibiotics.
Most changes in urine odor are temporary and don't mean you have a serious illness, particularly if you have no other symptoms. When an unusual urine odor is caused by an underlying medical condition, there are other symptoms too. If you're concerned about the odor of your urine, talk to your doctor.
Bladder infection. Cystitis (irritation of the bladder) Dehydration — when the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to work as it should. Diabetic ketoacidosis (in which the body has high levels of blood acids called ketones)
The peak symptom phase typically occurs during the transition between perimenopause and early postmenopause. Most women experience their worst symptoms for 4-5 years, though the entire menopause journey can last up to 14 years.
In menopause, estrogen levels drop, and levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rise. At-home menopause tests check the levels of FSH in the urine. However, because FSH levels fluctuate during a woman's cycle, it's not possible to get an accurate snapshot of someone's menopause status by checking these hormones.
Low Estrogen Bladder Symptoms
Nonenal production usually starts around the age of 40 and can be exasperated by menopause or other fluctuations in hormones. The frustrating thing about Nonenal is that the smell isn't easily removed, especially from fabrics like shirt collars, sheets, and towels.
Salty and sweet flavors tend to weaken first. Later, it may be more difficult to taste things that are bitter or sour. Age can also lessen the sense of smell which is strongest when people are between 30 and 60 years old. Some people eventually lose their sense of smell entirely.
Wash your loved one's clothes, bedding, and towels regularly using a mild, fragrance-free detergent. Ensure everything is completely dry before use because damp fabrics can trap and hold odors. You can also consider house cleaning for seniors to help maintain a clean, fresh environment throughout their home.