Vaginal Discharge and menopause: what’s normal and when you should worry

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Learn the causes and implications of different types of vaginal discharge, what's normal and when to worry
Vaginal Discharge and menopause: what’s normal and when you should worry

Table of contents

  • Vaginal discharge explained 
  • Why vaginal discharge changes with menopause
  • What’s normal
  • Different vaginal discharge: causes and implications
  • When to worry

Vaginal Discharge explained

We all know what vaginal discharge is, but why does it happen?

Think of it as nature's way of saying, "I got your back!"

Your body wants to maintain a healthy vaginal environment. It does this by discharging dead cells and bacteria to retain a healthy pH balance, avoid infection and provide lubrication.

Our cervix and vaginal walls team up to create this magical mixture of dead cells, mucus, and other fluids which are expelled through vaginal discharge

Why vaginal discharge changes with menopause 

Decreased estrogen levels cause a multitude of changes in our body

These changes include:

  • Alterations in vaginal pH
  • Increased cell shedding 
  • Thinning of the vaginal walls (increasing the chance of infection)

The changes caused by decreased estrogen often also lead to changes in vaginal discharge such as variation in discharge volume, consistency, and appearance.

If that's you, don't worry, you are not alone; 50-75% of menopausal women experience similar symptoms. 

The scientific word for this is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which groups genital, sexual and urinary symptoms during menopause6

What’s normal

This new chapter of your life can come with some unexpected changes in discharge, here are a few not to be concerned about:

1. Increased discharge post HRT: 

The reintroduction of estrogen can stimulate the vaginal glands to produce more fluids. 
This increase in vaginal discharge is often seen as a positive effect of HRT, as it can alleviate symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort.

2. Substantial increase in discharge volume: 

Decreased estrogen affects the vaginal tissues and gland leading to changes in vaginal discharge volume.
 
If you are experiencing increased discharge volumes, don’t worry. This is likely in response to changes in the composition of vaginal fluids. 
Other factors such as hydration, sexual activity, and vaginal health can also influence discharge volume.
3. Discharge with vaginal dryness: 

Vaginal discharge is produced by the glands in the cervix and vaginal walls to maintain vaginal health and lubrication. 
Increased discharge is often paired with vaginal dryness as it is our body's way of saying "let me help!" and trying to help eliminate dryness.

Different vaginal discharges: Causes and Implications 

Clear or Light Tan:

What’s the cause?

This is probably familiar – just with less volume. If things are looking clear, light tan or pale-yellow, no need to hit the panic button just yet.

What next?

Congratulations! 

Your discharge is normal!

Here are just the basics to keep things happy and healthy down there

  • Master Good Hygiene Ditch the douching as this can upset the balance of vaginal flora 3, stick to gentle, unscented soaps, and always remember: front to back! 
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will not only help with vaginal health, but also vaginal dryness so keep sipping on water like it's your own personal elixir of youth. Aim for at least eight glasses a day – your body will thank you!
  • Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to moments of bliss with meditation, yoga, or simply basking in your own fabulousness. Because who needs an excuse for self care!

Yellow or Green:

What’s the cause?

Yellowy green discharge is often caused by Sexually Transmitted Diseases4, the rates of STI’s actually increasing faster in middle aged women than younger age groups5.

What next?

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Time to do some tests, give your doctor a call, they will be your new best friend through this process

Once we are back on track, it’s time to keep downstairs happy and healthy

  • Master Good Hygiene Eliminate douching as this can upset the balance of vaginal flora 3, stick to gentle, unscented soaps, and always remember: front to back! 
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will not only help with vaginal health, but also vaginal dryness so keep sipping on water like it's your own personal elixir of youth. Aim for at least eight glasses a day – your body will thank you!
  • Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to moments of bliss with meditation, yoga, or simply basking in your own fabulousness. Because who needs an excuse for self care!

White, Thick:

What’s the cause?

Something we have all seen before, the yeast infection, which 3 in 4 women experience1. Also called vaginal candidiasis, is primarily caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the vagina. 

What next?

Sometimes we all need a little extra help, in this case over-the-counter natural remedies like lubricants, moisturizers or suppositories can be your savior. These trusty sidekicks can swoop in to save the day and keep your intimate health on point. 

If this doesn’t do the trick, get in you might need to consult your healthcare practitioner

Once we are back on track, it’s time to keep downstairs happy and healthy

  • Master Good Hygiene Eliminate douching as this can upset the balance of vaginal flora3, stick to gentle, unscented soaps, and always remember: front to back! 
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will not only help with vaginal health, but also vaginal dryness so keep sipping on water like it's your own personal elixir of youth. Aim for at least eight glasses a day – your body will thank you!
  • Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to moments of bliss with meditation, yoga, or simply basking in your own fabulousness. Because who needs an excuse for self care!

Gray

What’s the cause?

Enter the world of bacterial vaginosis (BV), where things get a bit... well, gray. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina where there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

This leas to symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, often with a strong odor, itching, and burning during urination. Don’t worry though, you are not alone, ~30% of post menopausal women experience (BV)2

What next?

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Talk to your doctor, they should prescribe you with an antibiotic which will clear things up in no time!

Once we are back on track, it’s time to keep downstairs happy and healthy

  • Master Good Hygiene Eliminate douching as this can upset the balance of vaginal flora3, stick to gentle, unscented soaps, and always remember: front to back! 
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will not only help with vaginal health, but also vaginal dryness so keep sipping on water like it's your own personal elixir of youth. Aim for at least eight glasses a day – your body will thank you!
  • Indulge in Self-Care: Treat yourself to moments of bliss with meditation, yoga, or simply basking in your own fabulousness. Because who needs an excuse for self care!

Brown, pink or bloody:

What’s the cause?

Now, this is where we draw the line. Blood after menopause? It's time to engage a healthcare professional as bloody or brown discharge could be caused by a whole host of things.

What next?

Let’s not sit around and play Russian Roulette with our health, call your healthcare practitioner to solve this mystery

When to worry

If your vaginal discharge takes on an unusual odour, appearance, or is accompanied by itching, burning, or pain, it's time to signal for backup.

Your healthcare advisor is your go to person here; they can conduct a thorough investigation to ensure smooth sailing ahead, so if you are unsure, give them a call!

We know discussing vaginal discharge can feel uncomfortable, particularly when menopause was once such a taboo subject for previous generations.

Let’s not make the same mistake, let’s speak openly about menopause for the education of generations to come.

Her Vitality is here supporting you all the way with education, support and menopause specific products.

Finally, never forget to embrace the changes, stay informed, and remember – you've got this!

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7291839/ 
  3. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching#:~:text=women%20not%20douche%3F-,Most%20doctors%20recommend%20that%20women%20do%20not%20douche.,helps%20maintain%20an%20acidic%20environment. 
  4. https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/practice-pearl-stis.pdf
  5. Donovan, B., Harcourt, C., Egger, S., Fairley, C. K., & Chow, E. P. F. (2017). The Sex Industry in Western Australia: A Report to the Western Australian Government. Sexual Health, 14(5), 430-439
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/



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