How Menopause Affects Sense of Smell and Taste

Hormonal shifts during menopause may cause changes in women’s sense of smell and taste. Both senses influence the body’s perception of flavor. However, they each serve important purposes beyond the enjoyment of food. Taste and smell can inform eating habits, nutritional balance, and quality of life, making both senses critical in maintaining overall health.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

Changes in smell sensitivity and taste perception can be a surprising experience for some women during menopause. Understanding how changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can affect olfactory function (smell) and the gustatory system (taste) can help women know what to expect when it comes to these two lesser-known menopausal symptoms.

How Hormones Influence Smell and Taste

Estrogen plays an important role in the development and function of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located inside the nasal cavity. The hormone also influences taste perception. Estrogen receptors are found in the mucosal lining of the mouth, and as hormone levels fluctuate throughout perimenopause and menopause, this can cause changes in salivary flow rate. Saliva breaks down taste molecules in foods and helps facilitate communication between these chemicals and the body’s taste receptors. Changes in saliva due to hormonal shifts may lead to a loss of taste or a bad taste in the mouth.⁽¹⁾

Both estrogen and progesterone help maintain the body’s sense of smell. Researchers have examined the effects of changing hormone levels on women’s olfactory function. One study found that smell recognition was significantly reduced in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. The researchers attributed this connection to declining hormone levels during menopause.⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾ 

How Menopause Affects the Sense of Smell and Taste

Menopause has been linked with olfactory dysfunction and changes in taste intensity. A study published in Scientific Reports found that reaching menopause at a younger age was associated with an impaired sense of smell during the postmenopause stage.⁽²⁾ Although most research shows a reduction in smell sensitivity, some women report a heightened sense of smell during menopause. 

Another study looked at differences in the perception of specific tastes between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The results showed that postmenopausal women experienced a significant decrease in the intensity of sweet and bitter tastes compared to premenopausal women. However, research findings are mixed, and changes in sensitivity to specific tastes vary between individuals.⁽¹⁾

Changes in Taste During Menopause

Menopausal hormone fluctuations can cause the oral mucosal lining to become thinner. For some women, this may produce a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth. Changes in taste that occur during menopause may also be related to other oral changes in the mouth, including the following:⁽⁵⁾

• Dry mouth

• Thick or sticky saliva

• Burning sensations

• Gum inflammation

• Bone loss of the teeth or jaw

Other Common Menopausal Symptoms Related to the Senses

Some women may experience other sensory changes during menopause, including phantom smells or changes in body odor.

1. Phantom Smells

Some menopausal women may experience the sensation of phantom odors, clinically referred to as phantosmia. Individuals with this smell disorder perceive smells that are not present.⁽⁶⁾ 

There isn’t much research on phantosmia as it relates to menopause. Experts do not know what causes the condition, but it may be related to neural communication dysfunction between olfactory signals and the central nervous system.⁽⁷⁾ Phantosmia has also been linked with aging, dental issues, anxiety, and hormonal changes, which are factors also associated with menopause. Most studies indicate the condition is more prevalent among women than men.⁽⁶⁾⁽⁸⁾ 

People with phantosmia often perceive a burnt or smoky smell. The following are other types of odors that women may perceive during menopause:⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾

• Foul

• Rotten

• Spoiled

• Metallic

• Chemical

While phantom smells are often perceived as unpleasant, some women may sense pleasant odors.

2. Changes in Body Odor

Some women feel that their body odor is more pronounced during perimenopause. Hot flashes and night sweats can cause women to sweat more, which feeds bacteria and may increase body odor. However, because hormonal changes can affect olfactory function, women’s smell perception may be stronger even if their body odor is not.⁽⁹⁾

The Impact of HRT on Olfactory Function

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a treatment method for smell disorders. However, findings from a study published in Neurobiology of Aging suggest that HRT may improve certain aspects of olfactory function in postmenopausal women.⁽¹⁰⁾ 

Researchers examined more than 400 postmenopausal women who had never previously used and were currently using HRT. The women were given a series of cognitive and olfactory tests designed to assess odor identification, odor memory, and odor sensitivity. The research findings showed that current HRT use was associated with improvements in odor memory. 

However, the researchers emphasized that these results should be interpreted with caution due to the potential influence of other contributing factors. Other studies have produced conflicting results regarding the effects of HRT on women’s sense of smell, highlighting the need for additional research.

Coping Strategies for Smell and Taste Sensitivity During Menopause

Olfactory and gustatory system dysfunction can affect women’s quality of life. The following are strategies that may help women cope with changes in smell and taste during menopause:⁽⁵⁾

1. Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

Menopausal changes in taste and smell may be related to oral health. Maintaining regular dental appointments, brushing the teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing regularly, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash are all healthy habits to preserve oral health.

2. Boosting Saliva Production

Because of the relationship between saliva and taste, using saliva substitutes, chewing sugar-free gum, drinking plenty of water, or running a humidifier may improve the body’s sense of taste and smell by boosting saliva production and increasing moisture in the mouth. 

3. Maintaining Bone Health to Prevent Gum Disease

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone health. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help maintain the strength of teeth and the surrounding supportive tissues.

4. Enhancing the Taste of Food

Adding spices or seasoning to foods can boost flavor. While this may enhance sensations of taste and smell, it’s recommended that women with burning mouth syndrome avoid spicy foods, which may aggravate symptoms.

5. Consulting with a Doctor

It’s important that women consult with a healthcare provider if menopausal changes in smell and taste interfere with daily life. Depending on the cause, professional dental treatment may be required. Certain medications can also produce changes in smell and taste. A doctor can make adjustments to a patient’s medication regimen if needed.

Treating Menopausal Changes in Taste and Smell Holistically

Changes in smell sensitivity and taste perception are common during menopause. While research on the underlying cause of this connection is limited, hormonal fluctuations can affect saliva production, the oral mucosal lining, and taste recognition, which are all factors that may contribute to these sensory changes. Practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet, and working with a doctor to explore treatment options are holistic strategies that may help reduce symptoms. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.