Phantom smells
Phantom smells (phantosmia) involve perceiving odors that aren't present—commonly smoke, burning, or chemical smells. This neurological symptom can occur during perimenopause as hormonal changes affect the olfactory system.
How to track
- Record what phantom smells you perceive and their intensity.
- Note time of day and any patterns (morning, evening, night).
- Track duration of episodes and frequency per day or week.
- Log any triggers you notice (stress, fatigue, specific environments).
- Note correlation with menstrual cycle or other symptoms.
Common context
Phantosmia during perimenopause appears linked to hormonal effects on the brain and nervous system. Many women report smelling smoke, burning, or metallic odors. While usually harmless, tracking helps identify patterns and rule out other causes.
What to bring to a clinician
- What specific smells do you perceive, and how often do they occur?
- Have you noticed any triggers or patterns to the phantom smells?
- Do you experience any other sensory changes or neurological symptoms?