Your Essential Guide
Changes In Vaginal Discharge During Menopause

Vaginal discharge often becomes a point of quiet curiosity – and sometimes concern – during perimenopause and menopause. While it’s easy to dismiss changes as “just hormones,” knowing how and why they occur can help you recognise what’s normal, and when to check in with a healthcare professional.

Why vaginal discharge matters for vaginal health

• A natural housekeeping system – Discharge is a mix of cervical mucus, vaginal secretions, and friendly bacteria (mostly lactobacilli). Together, they help maintain a healthy pH and keep unwanted bacteria at bay.
• A sign of hormonal rhythm – Throughout reproductive years, its amount and texture often shift with the menstrual cycle. In perimenopause, these patterns may become less predictable.
• A first clue something’s changed – Variations in colour, volume, or odour can be an early sign of infection, irritation, or hormonal imbalance.

Example detail: Imagine your underwear as a little diary page for your body – most days, it’s barely worth noting, but some days there’s a sentence or two you weren’t expecting.

How oestrogen and progesterone shape your discharge

• Oestrogen’s protective role – Keeps vaginal tissues plump and elastic, supports natural lubrication, and maintains an acidic pH (around 3.8–4.5) that deters harmful bacteria.
• Progesterone’s influence – Can thicken or reduce discharge depending on cycle stage, influencing both quantity and consistency.
• Hormonal decline in midlife – Lower oestrogen levels in perimenopause and menopause mean less lubrication, thinner tissue, and changes to the vaginal microbiome – often leading to dryness or altered discharge patterns.

Understanding the hormonal connection makes these changes less of a mystery and more of a map. Your discharge is not just a symptom; it’s part of your body’s feedback system.

Peri-menopause is a bit like the British weather – patterns you thought you could predict suddenly change without warning. Vaginal discharge is no exception. Some days it might feel like your old “mid-cycle” self, other times there’s hardly anything at all. Understanding these shifts can help you feel prepared, not blindsided.

How amount, texture, and colour can change

• Volume variations – Some women notice noticeably less discharge; others experience more watery secretions due to sporadic hormonal surges.
• Texture shifts – From sticky or pasty to unexpectedly thin and transparent – sometimes within the same month.
• Colour differences – Occasional pale yellow or beige tones can appear due to slight blood traces or tissue changes; fresh red spotting between periods is also possible.
• Why it happens – Fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can trigger mid-cycle-like mucus one month and dryness the next.

Example detail: You might find yourself standing in the chemist, holding two different brands of panty liners, wondering when you last bought any – and why you suddenly feel you might need them again.

The influence of irregular cycles

• Unpredictable ovulation – Hormonal spikes can mimic fertile-type discharge even when pregnancy is no longer likely.
• Spotting and discharge mix – Irregular periods may bring small amounts of old blood into discharge, giving it a brownish tint.
• Emotional impact – The lack of a clear “normal” can feel unsettling, primarily if you’ve known your body’s rhythms for decades.

Peri-menopausal discharge changes are usually a reflection of hormonal unpredictability rather than something harmful. Recognising the patterns (or lack thereof) can help you feel in control – even if your cycle no longer runs like clockwork.

Once periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months, your hormones settle into their post-menopausal baseline. Many expect nothing but dryness from here on, but discharge can still be part of the picture. The difference is in how it looks, feels, and what it’s telling you.

Why are decreased discharge and dryness common

• Oestrogen drop – With much lower oestrogen, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, less elastic, and produces less natural lubrication.
• Changes to pH – Post-menopausal vaginal pH often rises above 5.0, which can alter bacterial balance and make infections more likely.
• Reduced volume – Day-to-day moisture may be minimal, but occasional clear or slightly cloudy discharge is still possible.

Example detail: Some women describe it like moving from silk pyjamas to starched cotton sheets – not necessarily uncomfortable every moment, but you notice the difference.

When discharge is a red flag

• Unexplained bleeding – Any blood in post-menopausal discharge should be checked promptly, even if it’s just a pink tinge.
• Unusual colour or odour – Greenish, grey, or foul-smelling discharge could signal infection or inflammation.
• Persistent irritation – Itching, burning, or swelling alongside discharge may need medical assessment.

Post-menopause, less discharge is normal – but your body still uses it to flag when something isn’t right. Paying attention to changes can help you catch issues early and keep vaginal health on track.

Not every change in discharge is “just menopause.” Hormonal shifts can create the perfect conditions for specific issues to appear – some harmless, some needing attention. Knowing the likely causes helps you act quickly and confidently.

Infections are more common after menopause

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – Caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria when vaginal pH rises. Discharge is often thin, greyish, and may have a fishy odour, especially after sex.
• Thrush (yeast infection) – Still possible post-menopause. Presents with thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge and intense itching.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Not always linked to discharge, but can cause irritation and occasional cloudy fluid if infection spreads towards the vagina.

Example detail: One patient told me she knew her BV was back because the scent reminded her of the fish counter in the market she used to pass on her walk home – not pleasant, but a clear sign something was off.

Non-infectious causes

• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) – Thinning tissues, dryness, and inflammation can lead to watery or slightly blood-stained discharge.
• Contact irritation – Fragranced soaps, scented panty liners, or specific lubricants can trigger a reaction, altering discharge and causing discomfort.
• Foreign bodies – Rare, but a forgotten tampon or pessary can cause persistent, often foul-smelling discharge.

If discharge changes are persistent, smelly, or accompanied by discomfort, don’t ignore them – even if you suspect “it’s just menopause.” Most causes are treatable, and early action often means faster relief.

Changes in vaginal discharge during peri-menopause and menopause aren’t always avoidable – but they can often be managed. From minor daily tweaks to targeted treatments, the right approach depends on your symptoms, comfort, and preferences.

Home and lifestyle adjustments for comfort

• Switch to gentle cleansing – Use pH-balanced, fragrance-free washes or simply warm water to avoid disrupting the vaginal microbiome.
• Choose breathable fabrics – Cotton underwear and avoiding tight synthetic clothing can help keep the area dry and reduce irritation.
• Stay hydrated and nourish from within – Drinking enough water and eating a diet rich in phytoestrogens (like soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas) can support natural moisture.
• Review laundry products – Swap heavily scented detergents for hypoallergenic options.

Example detail: One woman told me her flare-ups calmed down after she switched to a fragrance-free detergent – the old one smelled like “spring meadows,” but her skin didn’t agree.

Medical treatments that can help

• Vaginal moisturisers – Used regularly to maintain comfort and reduce dryness-related irritation.
• Lubricants for intimacy – Water- or silicone-based, to make sex more comfortable without disrupting pH.
• Local oestrogen therapy – Creams, tablets, or a vaginal ring can restore tissue thickness, improve lubrication, and lower pH.
• Prescription medications – Antifungals, antibiotics, or hormone-based treatments if an infection or hormonal imbalance is identified.

When to seek professional advice

• Persistent or worsening changes – Especially if discharge is bloody, greenish, or foul-smelling.
• Pain, itching, or burning – Could indicate infection or inflammation that needs prompt treatment.
• Annual well-woman check – Even without symptoms, it’s a good opportunity to review vaginal health with your GP or gynaecologist.

Managing discharge changes is about more than just comfort – it’s about maintaining your vaginal health and confidence. Minor adjustments can make a noticeable difference, and professional treatments are available if needed.

Vaginal discharge isn’t something most of us grew up talking about openly – so when it changes during perimenopause or menopause, it can feel oddly isolating. Even women who are otherwise comfortable discussing hot flushes or mood shifts often hesitate to bring up discharge, partly out of embarrassment, partly because it feels “too personal”.

Normalising the conversation

• You’re not alone – Discharge changes are a common and completely natural part of the menopause journey, but silence makes it feel rarer than it is.
• Breaking the taboo – Talking about it with friends, partners, or healthcare professionals can reduce anxiety and help you get practical advice sooner.
• Generational shifts – Younger women may be more open about vaginal health, but many in midlife still carry the “keep it to yourself” mindset from earlier decades.

Example detail: I once had a patient who whispered every word when describing her symptoms – but after a few minutes, she was laughing about how her teenage daughter talks about “period pants” at the dinner table without blinking.

Finding community and support

• Support groups – Both local menopause meet-ups and online communities can be safe spaces for candid conversation.
• Trusted resources – The NHS menopause pages, Women’s Health Concern, and reputable menopause charities offer fact-checked, stigma-free information.
• Partner communication – Being open with your partner can help them understand changes in intimacy or comfort levels.

Your experience is valid, and your comfort matters. The more we speak about these changes, the easier it becomes to spot what’s normal, seek help when needed, and feel at ease in our bodies.

Your body has its own way of letting you know when things are shifting, and changes in vaginal discharge during perimenopause and menopause are part of that conversation. Understanding the role of hormones, recognising what’s within the healthy range, and knowing when to seek advice can make the difference between quietly worrying and feeling in control.

It’s also worth remembering that this isn’t purely a clinical matter – it’s about comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Small daily habits, the right products, and evidence-based treatments can help you stay comfortable through the transition, while open conversations remove the sense that you’re navigating it alone.

If you’ve noticed changes that leave you unsure, speaking with a qualified healthcare provider is the safest next step. And if you simply want to be proactive, explore trusted resources or book a well-woman check to keep your vaginal health on track. The more you understand your body now, the better equipped you’ll be to move through menopause feeling informed, reassured, and still very much yourself.