Yes, We’re Going To Talk About It

This question came from one of our meno ladies so we’re addressing it right here, right now because one of the (several) things that no one likes to talk about during the meno years is the change to our body odour down there.

Every Woman Is Different

Every woman’s perimenopause and menopause is individual to them, so just as not every single one will experience hot flushes or low libido, not every woman is going to experience a change in body odour, but for those who do it can be at best unusual and at worst distressing.

So, why does Suzi’s pee smell sweet?

(We changed her name to respect her privacy.)

1.Vaginal pH

One reason could be that perimenopause and menopause alters our vaginal pH. This is due to the decrease in estrogen which leads to less of the vaginal secretion (technically known as mucosa) that lines our va-jay-jay’s.

This can affect smell, sensation, lubrication and the types of bacteria that are naturally present in our vagina.

2. Our Filtration System

Our kidneys filter water soluble waste such as protein, sugar, bacteria, and yeast out of our body through our urine so it is very much affected by what we eat and drink.

3. Sugar, Sugar, Sugar

One of the reasons for sweet-smelling urine may be ingesting an excess of sugar. The body typically converts sugar to glucose for energy use, and if there’s too much it will be converted to fat. However, in some instances, if it gets too high, say in the case of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the kidneys will remove it through the urine.

Interesting factoid: the average person produces 800-2000 millilitres of urine per day which is about three to eight cups.

source mdcalc.com

Four Other Reasons Your Pee Could Smell Sweet:

1. Vitamins or medications you’re taking.
2. If you’ve been eating high protein foods like meat and eggs, they can promote a strong odour.
3. Asparagus famously promotes a strong smell in the urine but it’s typically less than sweet.
4. Dehydration; lack of water causes urine to be more concentrated and to have a stronger odour often described as ammonia-like. However, for some people, it can be sweet.

Our pH Loves:

1. A diet rich in  zinc and magnesium
2. Vitamin C supplementation is said to be good for it.
3. Chlorophyll-rich foods are nature’s natural deodorant so lots of green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs, wheatgrass and sea vegetables.
4. Low levels of red meat, white flour, sugars, caffeine, and toxins such as alcohol et al.

Disclaimer: This article mustn’t take the place of medical advice. A sweet smell, or indeed an unpleasant odour, is something to speak with your GP about as it could be a sign of a genetic condition or a medical issue.