What Causes Vaginal Smell? 14 Possible Causes You Should Know

Estrogen 

Many people tend to associate vaginal smell with poor hygiene. However, the truth is that most healthy vaginas have a natural smell that can vary depending on several factors, including hormones. It is one of the most influential factors in how the vagina smells. 

During puberty, rising estrogen levels serve to thicken vaginal walls. This increased thickness decreases the amount of oxygen that can reach the area, which causes a change in vaginal pH. The resulting lower pH level makes the vagina less hospitable to outside bacteria, reducing vaginal odor. 

However, as women approach menopause, estrogen levels start to decline. This reduction in estrogen causes the walls of the vagina to thin out and become less acidic. The combination of these two effects, a thinner vaginal wall and a more alkaline environment, make the vagina more susceptible to infection, which can intensify one’s vaginal smell.

In one study, women who used hormone therapy during menopause reported significantly less bothersome vaginal odor than those who did not use hormone therapy. Hormone therapy can come in the form of birth control pills, patches, or rings that deliver estrogen directly to the vagina.