Should I be worried about this odor?

I’m 46 and have noticed a metallic odor after my period— and after being intimate with my husband. Is this normal?

It is. Menstrual fluid and semen can cause temporary changes in your vagina’s pH, tipping it from slightly acidic to basic—and that results in a coppery or metallic odor. Plus, vaginal acidity dips during perimenopause, adding to the issue you’re experiencing.

The odor is nothing to worry about, but I can suggest several ways to minimize or even eliminate it. For starters, rinse your vulva with water only since scented soaps or sprays can alter pH to worsen the problem. Then apply a pHbalancing vaginal gel (like IsoFresh, Amazon.com). Finally, consider enjoying fermented foods like yogurt, kefir or kimchi—they supply lactobacilli bacteria that secrete lactic acid to rebalance vaginal pH. You can also consider taking a daily probiotic supplement that contains lactobacillus strains.

If your odor persists or discharge develops, see your doctor, who can offer other strategies. Your reaction is actually quite common. While water-based personal lubricants alleviate vaginal dryness and the pain during sex that can occur when estrogen wanes after menopause, many also include humectants (like propylene glycol and glycerin) that help the products retain moisture and feel more slippery. Unfortunately, these chemicals can irritate vaginal tissue to trigger burning and soreness. What’s more, a report in the journal PLOS ONE found that some lubricants (often those with high levels of humectants) kill off friendly vaginal bacteria, raising irritation risk.

For a natural, gentle option, lubricate with aloe vera gel or coconut oil—both are highly moisturizing and gentle on vaginal skin. Or for a study-backed product that uses aloe: Good Clean Love Almost Naked (online and in drugstores).

Now that I’m 55, I need a lubricant.

I thought the water-based kind was gentle, but mine left me sore.

What now?