If your hormones are out of whack, your vaginal scent might be the first thing to tell you — before any blood tests do.
There’s a lot we talk about when it comes to women’s health — but vaginal odour is still one of those hush-hush topics. Most of us have had those moments where something feels a little... off. You catch a whiff of something unpleasant down there and wonder: Is it something I ate? Did I not shower properly? Am I sick?
While there are a few reasons your vaginal scent can change, one common but often overlooked cause is hormonal imbalance. And yes — it can lead to a fishy smell, especially if your natural pH and flora are thrown out of balance.
Let’s dive into what’s normal, what’s not, how hormones are involved, and what you can do to support your body (including using Après as part of your self-care routine).
What is a “Normal” Vaginal Smell?
Let’s clear something up — vaginas aren’t supposed to smell like roses or vanilla cupcakes. A healthy vagina has a scent. It can be musky, tangy, metallic, or even sweet at times. These are all influenced by your cycle, diet, and even your underwear.
But if it smells fishy, sour, or rotten — that’s a red flag. And when that odour sticks around even after you shower, it could be a sign that your natural balance is off.
How Hormones Affect Vaginal Health
Hormones — especially oestrogen and progesterone — play a huge role in maintaining vaginal health. Here’s how:
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Oestrogen helps maintain vaginal elasticity, moisture, and pH.
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Progesterone and testosterone can impact discharge and bacterial growth.
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During menopause, pregnancy, postpartum, or ovulation, your hormone levels fluctuate significantly.
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Hormonal birth control or PCOS can shift your hormonal rhythm, too.
When hormones drop, particularly oestrogen, it can lower your vaginal acidity — creating the perfect environment for bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis (a common cause of bacterial vaginosis) to thrive. This is often what leads to that classic “fishy” smell.
Could It Be Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV is the most common cause of a fishy vaginal odour and is closely linked to hormonal changes — particularly during:
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Your menstrual cycle
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Pregnancy
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Perimenopause or menopause
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Post-intercourse (especially if semen or lubricants alter vaginal pH)
It’s not an STI, but it does require treatment. Some women also get recurring BV, which can make you feel self-conscious or frustrated.
Top 4 Hints & Tricks to Support Vaginal Balance
1. Don’t Overwash – Let Your Vagina Breathe
You might think more soap = more cleanliness, but overwashing (especially with scented soaps or douching) can strip your natural flora. Instead, rinse with water or use a pH-balanced wash.
2. Be Strategic After Sex
Sex (and semen) can disrupt vaginal pH. Using something like Après — our post-intimacy absorbent hygiene tool — helps to gently remove excess fluids and support your natural environment. Après is soft, convenient, and designed for women of today.
3. Balance Hormones Naturally
If your hormonal changes are frequent or severe, it’s worth exploring:
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Stress reduction (hello, cortisol!)
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Eating hormone-supportive foods (think flaxseeds, leafy greens, healthy fats)
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Talking to your GP about PCOS, thyroid issues, or perimenopause
4. Know When to See a Doctor
If the smell is persistent, fishy, or accompanied by:
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Greyish discharge
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Itching or burning
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Pain during sex or urination:
Then it’s time to book that appointment. There’s no shame in getting checked — it’s your body, and you deserve answers.
Let’s be real: a customer recently emailed us after using Après for the first time. She was fed up with that post-sex discomfort — and the occasional odour that followed. She was juggling two kids, working part-time, and said she never felt “fresh” after intimacy, no matter what she tried.
After adding Après to her routine, she said: “I finally feel like I have control again. There’s no gross cleanup, and I’m not paranoid anymore.”
Sometimes, it’s not about overhauling everything — it’s just about having the right tool to support your body when it needs it.
❓Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Can hormonal birth control cause a fishy smell?
Yes, it can — especially if it lowers oestrogen, which can lead to a drier vaginal environment and make it easier for BV-causing bacteria to thrive.
Q: Will my diet affect how I smell down there?
Absolutely. Foods like garlic, onions, and alcohol can change your body’s natural scent, but they’re unlikely to cause a fishy smell unless your hormones or pH are already off.
Q: Is it OK to use tampons or pads if I’m dealing with odour?
You can, but they may trap odours or moisture. Look for breathable cotton options and consider using a product like Après when the issue stems from post-sex residue or pH imbalance.
Q: Can menopause cause a fishy odour?
Yes. Lower oestrogen levels can thin vaginal walls and reduce natural acidity, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
✅ Key Takeaways
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A fishy vaginal smell is often caused by bacterial imbalance, like BV.
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Hormonal shifts (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause) can trigger changes in pH and odour.
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Proper post-intimacy care matters — use tools like Après to stay fresh and comfortable.
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Avoid overwashing or scented products — gentle is best.
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Foods, stress, and sleep affect hormonal health and odour.
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Persistent or painful symptoms deserve a doctor’s attention.
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Hormonal birth control can contribute to vaginal dryness and pH imbalance.
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Après can help manage that “off” feeling after sex discreetly and effectively.
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Every woman’s natural scent is different — learn what’s normal for you.
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Talking about vaginal health openly helps break stigma and empowers others.
📚 References
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Women’s Health Queensland: Hormonal health and vaginal changes
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Cleveland Clinic: Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms & Causes
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Office on Women’s Health (US): Menstrual cycle and hormone influence
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