Menstrual cycle. Sometimes, a fishy vaginal odor crops up just before the start of your period, due to changing bacteria and acidity levels. During menstruation, the blood (which has an elevated pH) and uterine lining mix with vaginal microflora, subtly altering the smell.
A woman's mood and appetite are clearly tied to her menstrual cycle, but other, more subtle changes in thinking and behavior also occur. In particular, her sense of smell sharpens as fertility peaks in the latter half of her cycle.
'The vagina has a natural bacterial flora that's there to keep a good balance,' explains Dr Rosén. It's because of this natural bacteria that the cervical mucus in the vagina always has a smell. You may also experience changes throughout your menstrual cycle as the pH balance in your vagina changes.
It's really blood, plus uterine lining tissue, and of course, the normal fluids that your vagina excretes. This combination has a slight, sometimes metallic odor, which can fluctuate due to things like bacteria and acidity. So you do not have to ask yourself “Why does my period blood smell?” anymore. Now you know.
Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.
One of the signs that ovulation is imminent is a heightened sense of smell. For many women, smell becomes more sensitive during the latter half of their normal menstrual cycle. This is typically a sign of ovulation. The reason this happens is that the body is primed to be drawn to the male pheromone androstenone.
In summary, women in the ovulatory phase emit odours that increase testosterone levels and decrease cortisol levels in men; such functional odours are emitted from women's chests and backs.
Because of the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, discharge before period tends to be hazy or white. Vaginal discharge is clear discharge before period and watery during other periods of the cycle, when the body has higher estrogen levels.
It's totally normal for healthy girls and women to have a unique odor. Many women become concerned that other people can detect the odor around their vulva and vagina. In reality, women are most sensitive to their own odor, and it's very unlikely that others who don't have intimate contact with them can smell it.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
This is most likely related to the vaginal substance itself, but bacteria and acidity can also play a role. Remember ladies, a healthy period does have a slight smell of blood.
Normal vaginal discharge has a mild, musky scent that is not unpleasant. This means that a slight smell is normal. Any foul (bad) or strong smell, or a smell that is unusual, is a sign that things are out of balance, and that you should get yourself checked out.
Groin sweat contains fatty acids and proteins which feed bacteria. As the bacteria break down the nutrients in groin sweat, foul-smelling acids are left behind.
Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn't smell bad, and its thickness may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Other characteristics of vaginal discharge include: Texture: It's normal to have vaginal discharge that ranges from watery and sticky to gooey, thick and pasty.
PMS, a catch-all name for a myriad of physical and psychological symptoms, is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The exact cause, however, remains a mystery. Symptoms generally strike five-to-10 days before the period and dissipate with its start or soon after.
A week or two before your period starts, you may notice bloating, headaches, mood swings, or other physical and emotional changes. These monthly symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. About 85% of women experience some degree of PMS.