Some vaginal discharge is typical throughout a person’s life. The amount of discharge may increase or decrease before and after 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.

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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According to the Office on Women’s Health, the average age of menopause in the United States is 52 years old.

Between 50% and 75% of people experience symptoms involving the genitals or urinary system after menopause. These can include:

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itchiness, and painful intercourse. Vaginal atrophy occurs in 40% to 57% of people after menopause.

Some research links low levels of an estrogen called estradiol with vaginal dryness. Decreasing estrogen levels causes a decrease in vaginal blood flow, which contributes to vaginal dryness and decreased vaginal lubrication.

Although vaginal dryness is common after menopause, some people may experience increased vaginal discharge. In fact, in one 2018 study, vaginal discharge and infections were the second most common symptoms after vaginal dryness.

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 harmless, 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.

Vaginal discharge is usually white or clear and varies with changes in hormone levels in the body.

Knowing the difference between typical 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.

People do not typically need to worry about vaginal discharge with the following characteristics:

Healthy vaginal discharge also does not have a bad or unpleasant 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 may report whitish, cheese-like vaginal discharge that has a foul, fish-like smell.

Yeast infections are a potential cause of unhealthy vaginal discharge, but they are rare after menopause.

Unhealthy discharge can sometimes contain blood. Although postmenopausal bleeding can be harmless, people should always speak with a doctor if they experience it.

Healthcare professionals 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 typically 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:

For optimal vaginal health, doctors may advise that people avoid using local irritants, such as scented soaps and shower gels or vaginal douching.

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.

People experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy may be able to reduce any discomfort using treatments for vaginal dryness, such as estrogen products.

If someone 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. People should also contact a doctor if their discharge contains blood after menopause.

A doctor may collect a sample to test the bacteria present in the discharge and will guide someone on treatment after diagnosis.

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 healthy and when it is atypical. Yellow or gray, thick, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge indicates that a person should contact a doctor.