Should Your Period Have a Bad Smell? The Truth Every Woman Should Know

Let’s talk about it — because too many women think a bad period smell is normal. It’s not.

Your period might have a light, metallic scent (from the blood and iron), but if it’s strong, fishy, or sour, that’s your body waving a red flag. It usually means something’s off with your vaginal pH or there’s an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.

And here’s the part most women don’t realize:
Those “feminine hygiene” washes, wipes, and sprays marketed to “make you smell fresh” are often the cause. They strip your skin’s natural barrier and throw your vaginal pH off even more — creating the perfect environment for odor and infections to thrive.

What’s Normal vs. What’s Not

✅ Normal:

• Light, metallic, or mild musky scent

• Slight odor only noticeable to you

• No itching, burning, or irritation 

  🚫 Not Normal:

  • Strong fishy smell

  • Sour or rotten odor

  • Accompanied by discharge, itching, or discomfort

  How to Stay Fresh Naturally

  The key is balance, not fragrance.
  Use a gentle, natural cleanser made with ingredients that help your skin’s barrier do its job — not fight against it. My Clove Soap is designed exactly for that: to support your pH, fight odor-causing bacteria, and keep you feeling fresh without irritation.

  Also, keep these quick tips in mind:

  • Change pads and tampons regularly

  • Avoid scented products and douches

  • Wear breathable cotton underwear

  • Stay hydrated to flush out toxins

  Your body already knows how to stay clean — it just needs support, not chemicals. 💡 Read Next: Why Feminine Washes Cause More Problems Than They Fix →