Why Do Periods Smell? - Love Wellness

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Written by Love Wellness

Influenced by hormones and vaginal bacteria, period odor is a common and usually normal part of your cycle. But when that natural scent feels a bit stronger than you'd like, products likeLove Wellness' Probiotic Bundle can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and minimize unpleasant smells.

In this guide, we take a closer look at menstrual blood and the meaning behind different types of period odors. We also outline the warning signs to watch for and provide tips for supporting vaginal balance during that time of the month.

What Is Period Blood Made Of?

Despite the name, period blood isn't just made up of blood. Menstrual fluid is actually a combination of the following:

Blood
The uterine lining (endometrial tissue)
Vaginal and cervical mucus
An unfertilized egg

As this mixture leaves the body, it interacts with oxygen and your vaginal bacteria, both of which can affect the smell. Keep in mind that your vagina is a naturally acidic environment (typically with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5), and this acidity is another major factor in how your period smells.

Why Does Period Blood Have a Strong Smell?

On its own, menstrual blood doesn't have a particularly strong odor. Smell develops when menstrual fluid comes into contact with air, bacteria, sweat, and period products. Some common factors that can influence the overall odor include:

Exposure to oxygen (especially when wearing pads or period underwear)
Iron content in blood
Hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle
Shifts in vaginal bacteria
Sweat glands in the vulvar area
How long blood stays on a pad or is in contact with skin

This is why period smell can vary from day to day (or month to month) without necessarily indicating a problem.

Common Period Blood Smells and What They Mean

While every person is different, certain menstrual odors tend to be more common than others. Learning to recognize different scents helps you distinguish between what's normal and what may require medical attention.

Metallic smell

A mild, metallic scent (often compared to a copper coin) is one of the most common odors. It's typically caused by the high iron content in menstrual blood, especially on days with heavier flow.

Earthy smell

An earthy or musky scent can occur when menstrual blood mixes with natural vaginal bacteria. It can also happen when the blood remains in a pad or tampon for longer periods.

While this smell is usually an indicator of normal bacterial activity, changing period products regularly can help reduce the odor.

Sweet smell

Many people notice a faintly sweet or tangy scent during their period. This is usually not a cause for concern as it is linked to natural fluctuations in pH and vaginal bacteria.

Want to ensure a healthy pH balance? Fragrance-free products from ourpH Balancing Collection can help maintain comfort without disrupting delicate vaginal flora.

Fishy smell

A strong fishy odor during your period may indicate a vaginal bacterial imbalance such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). You may also experience:

Vaginal itching or irritation
Thin, gray, or off-white vaginal discharge outside of your period
A lingering odor that doesn’t go away

If the above symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider. Long-term vaginal support (including products from ourVaginal Health Collection) may help reduce the risk of recurring imbalance.

Rotten smell

A sulfurous smell (similar to rotten eggs) can sometimes occur if a tampon, menstrual cup, or condom has been left in the vagina for too long. If you're unable to remove it yourself or if symptoms continue, seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

Body odor-like smell

The vulva contains apocrine sweat glands, which can cause sweat to mix with bacteria and create a sourish smell. Perspiration may also increase with heat, stress, and physical activity.

While a body odor-like smell is completely normal, you can reduce it through stress management, gentle hygiene habits, and breathable cotton underwear.

Can Period Products Affect How Your Period Smells?

Yes, the type of menstrual product you use can influence odor. Let's take a closer look:

Pads allow more airflow, which can make smells more noticeable.
Tampons trap blood internally. This may reduce odor initially, but worsen it if left in too long.
Menstrual cups collect blood without absorbing it, often resulting in less odor.
Period underwear should be changed regularly to prevent bacterial buildup that creates stronger smells.

There’s no one-size-fits-all option. Many women mix and match different options depending on their flow, daily activities, and personal preferences. The right choice is whatever fits your lifestyle and keeps you comfortable.

Period Blood Smells That Aren't Normal

While some variation is expected, certain smells shouldn’t be ignored. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if you notice:

A strong fishy odor that doesn’t go away
Rotten or foul smells paired with discomfort
Burning, itching, or unusual discharge
Sudden changes that persist across multiple cycles

Your period can offer valuable insight into your overall health, so it's important to pay attention to any significant shifts. For more context, check out:What Period Blood Color Says About Your Health.

How to Support Your Vaginal Balance During Your Period

While you shouldn’t aim to eliminate natural vaginal odor entirely, there are plenty of ways to support a healthy vaginal environment during your cycle.

Avoid harsh cleansers

Did you know that the vagina cleans itself? This means that douching or using fragranced washes can throw off your pH balance and actually make odors worse instead of better.

Focus on external care

Clean the vulva gently using fragrance-free products that won’t strip moisture or irritate sensitive skin. OurpH Balanced Cleanser is an excellent option for intimate areas.

Change period products regularly

Tampons should be changed every 4–8 hours, while pads and period underwear should be changed as needed.

Support balance from within

The gut and vaginal microbiomes are closely connected. Consistent probiotic support may help maintain balance throughout the menstrual cycle. To support comfort and balance over time, explore our carefully curatedVaginal Health Kits.

Build strong immunity

Hormones andimmunity also shift across the menstrual cycle, which can influence vaginal health and odor. Strengthen your immunity through quality sleep, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated.

FAQs

Why does my period smell worse some months than others?

It's normal for period odor to vary from cycle to cycle. Hormones, stress, period products, and shifts in vaginal bacteria can all affect how menstrual blood smells from one month to the next.

Is it normal for period blood to have a fishy smell?

A mild fish-like odor can be normal. However, a strong fishy smell may indicate a bacterial imbalance like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis. If the fishy odor is persistent or accompanied by unusual vaginal discharge, it's best to consult a healthcare provider.

What is the purpose of a period?

A period is the body’s way of shedding the uterine lining that forms each month in preparation for a possible pregnancy. When fertilization doesn’t occur, this lining is released through menstrual bleeding.

Can probiotics help with period odor?

Probiotics can help balance the gut and vaginal bacteria, which play a role in odor regulation. While they can't be used to treat infections, probiotics are ideal for maintaining a healthier vaginal environment.

Final Thoughts

The complex mix of blood, tissue, bacteria, and hormones is responsible for the diverse range of smells associated with your period. While metallic, earthy, musty, and tangy scents are all completely normal, strong fishy or rotten smells could signal that something is off.

Here at Love Wellness, we know that understanding your body helps you take better care of it. With the right knowledge andVaginal Health products, you can feel comfortable and confident through every phase of your cycle.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided does not constitute medical advice and should not take the place of consulting a physician. This information does not and should not replace treatment from a medical professional. If you need medical advice or assistance, you should consult a physician. If you are pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant, or if you are taking any oral, external cream or suppository medications, please consult your healthcare provider before using this product.

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