Hormones, vaginal dryness, and body odor: What’s normal?

Women’s intimate care is becoming part of mainstream conversations around hormonal health and everyday wellbeing, alongside a rapidly growing intimate care market.

With this comes questions about symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, and changes in body odor, and there is a growing demand for clear, science-based guidance on what’s “normal” and what may be influenced by hormonal shifts across different life stages.

To answer these questions, we spoke with OB/GYN and Clue Science Writer Marcella Israel. She addresses what causes these changes, whether intimate care products can help, and when symptoms may indicate an underlying issue.

Key takeaways:

• Hormonal changes can affect vaginal dryness, skin sensitivity, and body odor 

• The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Avoid internal washing or cleansing

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free products for external care

• Water-based lubricants are the safest option for most people

• A strong or unusual odor may signal an infection (such as BV) and should be checked

1. Is there a shift in how patients approach vaginal health, dryness, irritation, and body odor? 

Yes,  I’ve definitely noticed a shift toward more proactive, empowered health conversations. Many people are more informed about topics like body odor and understand that natural physiological odors are nothing to be ashamed of.

I also rarely see harmful hygiene practices like using aggressive products on the vulva or inside the vagina. I am seeing more people feeling empowered to talk about symptoms like vaginal dryness, irritation, or itching. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they’re also common, especially during hormone changes across the menstrual cycle,  perimenopause, and other life stages. There’s also growing awareness of how hormones affect the body overall.  People are asking more thoughtful questions and looking for ways to support their health, sometimes beyond pharmaceutical options. This shift from shame-based visits to curiosity and engagement is a really positive change in the medical field.

2. What should you look for when choosing intimate care products?

When it comes to choosing intimate care products, my first piece of advice is: less is more. 

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ with a delicately balanced ecosystem of bacteria and a specific pH. In most cases, inserting products (yes, even water) can disrupt that balance and potentially lead to irritation or infection.

Instead, I focus on helping people understand what’s “normal” and what’s not. Education about basic vulvovaginal anatomy and physiology is powerful. I encourage avoiding potential irritants like scented soaps, harsh laundry detergents, and products with unnecessary additives.

When people are looking for external products like lubricants, I recommend choosing water-based options that are free from parabens, propylene glycol, dyes, and fragrances. These are less likely to affect the vaginal environment.

Some people also find that petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) or coconut oil helps with dryness around the vulva. These can be helpful, especially because they tend to have neutral pH and are generally well-tolerated—but they should never be used with latex condoms as they can weaken the material.

3. How do hormones affect vaginal and underarm body odor, and how can these changes be managed? 

Hormonal fluctuations, especially changes in estrogen and progesterone, can influence sweat and oil (sebaceous) glands. This can affect body odor, particularly in the underarms and genital area. These natural secretions interact with bacteria on the skin, which can change how your body smells. 

Menstrual secretions can also have a distinct scent, which is completely normal. However, a strong or “fishy” smell, especially if it’s accompanied by itching, unusual discharge, pain, or fever, may be a sign of an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), and should be checked out by a healthcare provider.

For managing natural odor and staying comfortable:

• Wear breathable fabrics like cotton underwear

• Avoid tight or synthetic clothing when possible

• Use mild, unscented body washes

• Change menstrual products regularly

Ultimately, knowing what is normal for your body and feeling comfortable talking about it is an important part of caring for your health.

When to see a healthcare provider

Reach out to a healthcare provider for a personalized care plan if you experience:

• Persistent itching

• Unusual discharge

• Pain or discomfort