Vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence. It serves to protect the vaginal walls and helps to keep the area clean, moist, and balanced. During menopause, hormonal changes can influence the nature of your discharge. It may become more abundant, watery, or mucus-like. But what is considered normal?
For the past six weeks, I’ve had heavier discharge than usual. It’s clear white and odourless. Now that I know it’s harmless, I’m less worried.
During menopause, hormonal changes occur in the female body, including a reduction in the sex hormone oestrogen. These hormonal fluctuations can cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.
Oestrogen is essential for maintaining vaginal health. It keeps the vagina moist and clean, supports the vaginal flora (a balance of healthy and potentially harmful bacteria), and inhibits the growth of unwanted bacteria and fungi.
In perimenopause, progesterone levels decrease more rapidly than oestrogen levels, which can lead to oestrogen dominance. This may result in increased discharge.
As oestrogen levels decline further during menopause, the healthy vaginal flora can become disrupted. Low oestrogen levels often lead to a thinner, drier vaginal wall and a reduction in healthy bacteria and fungi. This imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, combined with dryness, can cause irritation and changes in the colour, smell, consistency, and amount of discharge.
The changes are somewhat similar to those experienced during your menstrual cycle. Immediately after your period (when the uterine lining is being rebuilt), discharge may be less and clearer. Around ovulation (when oestrogen levels rise), discharge increases and becomes mucus-like, thin, and slippery, resembling egg whites. After ovulation, the texture changes to a creamy, sticky consistency and turns white or light yellow.
Research indicates that two-thirds of women in menopause experience vaginal issues. Vaginal dryness is the most common complaint, though some women experience the opposite: increased and mucus-like discharge. A quarter of women report excessive or abnormal discharge. After menopause, when hormone levels stabilise at a new low, these symptoms often subside.
Sexual activity can irritate the vagina, and an irritated vagina may produce more discharge. Stress or vaginal atrophy (changes in the vaginal lining) can also lead to increased discharge.
Additionally, certain medications, vaginal infections, STIs, health conditions (such as diabetes), and vaginal care products can cause abnormal discharge.
The appearance of vaginal discharge can vary, ranging from watery to mucus-like and from clear to brown. Much of this variation is normal. It is also normal for discharge to change as you go through different life stages. What is normal for you might seem unusual to someone else. Every vagina is unique.
What is normal discharge?
When should you consult a doctor?
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
There are effective ways to address menopausal symptoms, including changes in discharge. You do not have to simply endure them. Supporting your body through healthy nutrition, adequate exercise, and rest can be beneficial. Additionally, supplements, medications, and hormone therapy (HRT) may help.
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest can help alleviate or prevent symptoms. Small lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference.
If you are taking medications or supplements, maintaining a balanced lifestyle can enhance your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and process medications, improving their effectiveness. Experts recommend the following for vaginal discharge:
Replacing the hormones that decline during menopause is the most effective treatment for many menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy (HRT) directly addresses vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, as well as vaginal symptoms like dryness. It may also indirectly improve other symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and changes in discharge.
HRT is not suitable for everyone. A doctor will carefully evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for your health and symptoms.
Many women are unaware that there are effective hormone-free medications available to relieve menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target specific symptoms. For example, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.
Hormone-free medications are prescribed by a doctor and may be a good option for those who cannot or do not wish to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the symptom without altering hormonal balance, allowing for targeted relief.
During menopause, your body undergoes changes in energy production, muscle building, and skin repair. High-quality supplements can support these processes. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for all women going through menopause.
The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as lifestyle and health, and it can vary between individuals. The quality of the product also plays a role. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary additives.
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