What Causes Smelly Urine During Menopausal Stage?

Posted on Tue, 3 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Since I have started the menopausal stage of my life, I have noticed that my urine has become much stronger in its odor. I do not have any burning or anything but the smell is rather embarassing............

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please get an investigation as a routine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

The hormone changes subsequent to menopause influence many things. Even if you do not have any symptoms suggestive of an infection, I would suggest going through routine investigations to exclude any possible urinary infection. This is because silent infections are common at this stage as the lining cells get thinned out due to hormone deficiency and hence offer less protection from intruders.

Once infection is excluded, please increase your intake of fluids to make sure the urine is adequately dilute. This will help to reduce the odor. Use more of fresh fruit in your diet.

Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (11 minutes later)

It seems like lately the urine smell has been worse but I have also had a very bad sore throat. Could there be any connection between the 2 issues?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sore throat may have restricted water intake.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

There is no connection between a sore throat causing the urine smell as such. It could be due to the decreased water intake secondary to the sore throat. Also, any medication you have been taking to clear the sore throat is likely to be excreted in urine and this can also add to the smell.

The same infection cannot be the cause for both conditions. Anyway, please go ahead with a urinalysis and if needed, a culture test.

If you cannot drink water at room temperature, please take lukewarm water. This will help both to soothe your throat and also to maintain the water balance in the body.

Hope I have answered your query. Please get back if you need more help. I will be glad to do so.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (11 hours later)

The sore throat that I have is located in such a low area of my throat.
It really hurts to swallow but the pain seems to start in front of my Adam's apple.
I do not have swollen glands up closer to my jaw line, which is where I usually have soreness when I have virus/infection.
Can you tell me why the soreness is located so low in my throat area?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of laryngo-pharyngitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing again.

With your symptoms, it is likely that you have an infection of pharynx as well as the larynx which is lower. Tonsillitis and inflammation of the fauces also causes similar pain.
You should see an ENT specialist to get a proper diagnosis.
Intake of lukewarm water helps in pain relief. You may also need an antibiotic and throat soothers.

Hope your query has been answered. Please get back if you need any more suggestions. I will be available to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj