Kiki (Pittsburgh) on 07/06/2025

Phantosmia During Perimenopause—Cigarette Smoke Smell?

Hi everyone,

I'm 44 and recently entered perimenopause—ugh, even the word makes me feel ancient! I've always been in good health, but this transition has brought on a slew of strange and unexpected symptoms.

One of the weirdest? Phantosmia—smelling something that isn't actually there. For me, it's cigarette smoke. It's so strong that if I closed my eyes and you said someone was chain-smoking next to me, I'd believe you. My nose even starts to burn as if it's real. Of course, I couldn't hallucinate something pleasant like fresh cookies—nope, it had to be cigarette smoke!

I was surprised not to find anything on Earth Clinic about phantosmia, especially since a few doctors in my women's health groups say perimenopause is still under-discussed, especially compared to menopause.

It went away for about two months, and I forgot about it... until it came back a few days ago. Now, when I'm sitting at my desk or idle, it's like someone is lighting up in my office. But when I get up to clean, cook, or move around? Nothing. It only seems to happen when I'm still.

To cope, I use a little Maty's Vapor Rub on a Q-tip just around the outside of my nostrils. It clears the smell for maybe five minutes, which feels like heaven while it lasts.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Any remedies or suggestions are welcome—especially if they last longer than five minutes!

Replied By Kiki (Pittsburgh) on 07/07/2025

Yup! It's supposed to be because of the hormonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, lower estrogen, etc. It's funny because my mom is around your age and it seems like every other month I am telling her about some new thing and how it's connected to perimenopause and she laughs because she had these issues too, but had no idea it was from perimenopause lol.

Thanks, I hope it goes away soon. I'm trying not to give it too much attention, hoping it goes away lol

Replied By Nancy (Palm Springs, Ca.) on 07/24/2025

Do you have it continually? Or is it intermittent? I've been blessed the phantom stink for about 3 months now. In the beginning it was maybe a few times a week but now it's several times a day. I can live with it but I sure would like to know what's causing it. I'm 64 so don't know for sure. Thanks for sharing…hope you get some relief soon!

Replied By Rose (London England) on 09/02/2025

Hello Nancy, with me it started a year ago after having an allergy attack. It started with food smelling weird, and now it's passed on to many other things, like skin, clothes, bed sheets, etc. The best way to describe the smell is spicy/smoky. I have now started drinking every morning a tablespoon of ACV with the mother mixed in a cup of water making sure to rinse mouth after as the vinegar is not good for the teeth enamel. The ENT doctor told me I have Parosmia (smell distortion and there is no treatment except for smell training. He also said its most probably from covid although I've never had covid. If the ACV treatment works I will let you know. Good luck.

Replied By Kiki (Pittsburgh) on 12/06/2025

Interesting! I had an iron supplement I was taking and then quit. I don't remember why. I should start up on it again and see if it helps. I actually forgot I made this thread, was having the issue again tonight (it was gone for a few weeks this time) and was like "Oh someone made a thread about it."

Haha it was me!

I'm also considering Evening Primrose Oil. Everyone says this is a good thing to try if you are going through perio and/or are having hormonal issues. I definitely plan to pick some up after I figure out dosages and what a quality one looks like.

Glad to see some other women are also going through this and I'm not so alone!