Period smells bad - is this a menopause thing?

[allgrownupnow]

I have regular periods but am 48 and have some other peri symptoms. I also have a copper coil, don't k ow if that is relevant.

Now the gross bit - some months my period blood smells really bad, like rotten meat. The smell if you open a pack of gone off mince - old blood. I notice it more if using a cup or tampon so at first I thought I wasn't changing frequently enough, but it still smells with period pants or frequent changes.
Has anyone else had this or do I need to see a doctor? I talk to friends about most things but this is a step too embarrassing...

Following as I have the same problem, and I'm 42

Just double check you don't have an old tampon stuck up there. Speaking from bitter experience.

I've not experienced that one and I'm now post menopausal.

Could it be an infection if any kind?

Has your sense of smell improved Recently?

Have a rummage see if anything is left up there and speak to a nurse

I know exactly what you mean - I'm late 40s and I've also noticed the blood often looks darker/older/sludgier too (and nothing left up there as I don't use tampons anymore).

I bet it’s your copper coil! I had mine removed in April after 6 years — I’m 48 and that monthly smell (your description is spot on 🤢) had got worse over the last year or so, plus a grim fishy smell the rest of the time. I was so fed up and spending a fortune on BV gel etc. Within a couple of days of it being taken out, the smell disappeared and has not returned!

(Neither has my period, so I still have something to be gynaecologically anxious about 😅)

Thanks for the replies.
100% sure there is nothing left behind. Doesn't seem like an infection as I feel fine and no other symptoms, and has been going on a while.
This is definitely not a change in sense of smell - everything else in life smells the same as ever, and this smell is strong!
Yes to the also darker and sludgier blood.
@LMBoston that is very interesting and reassuring to hear about your similar experience and it being your coil - I've had mine in for 6/7 years now. Will go get it removed and hope that helps. Would also be good if periods stopped - I am so bored of them! I hope there is nothing more to yours being gone than our age.
Had a thought to maybe get a mirena instead.

I did go for it to be replaced at 5 years per the plan when it was put in, only to be told that the guidance had changed and it's fine for 10 years now. Perhaps the long term side effects of this change haven't been that closely studied or communicated and this is 'a thing' for some women.

Most likely copper coil. Those things are pure evil. Had mine removed after 4 years. Constant smells, pain bloating and turns out it was wedged into my uterus and rusty.made me very ill so I’d suggest you get it out asap.

@TheWayOfTheWorld do you have a coil? Or does it seem like a menopausal thing for you?
I am glad that I'm not alone with this, but sympathies to you. As f periods aren't bad enough

I don't have a clue, but for the purpose of gathering evidence I'll say i dunt have a coil, don't use cups or tampons, I'm very peri averaging about 4 periods a year, very little blood each time and no smell. Hope you find a solution.

Sorry to hear that @Mumtothreegirlies. Sounds grim. I'm going to call for an appointment in the morning...

@allgrownupnow no I don't. Never had anything like that or used the pill, so I'm guessing it's just age/hormonal changes.