Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, you don't have enough saliva to cleanse it and fight the bacteria that can cause halitosis or bad breath.
There are estrogen receptors in the mucous membranes of the mouth, meaning hormones have a strong influence on oral health. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help improve oral health in menopausal women. Estrogen therapy can support saliva production and reduce dry mouth, which may help minimize bad breath.