Why do I smell like copper?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on April 14, 2026
Why do I keep smelling a weird metallic smell?
Phantosmia is the medical word used by doctors when a person smells something that is not actually there. Phantosmia is also called a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination. The smells vary from person to person but are usually unpleasant, such as burnt toast, metallic, or chemical smells.Why does my smell like pennies?
Metallic, like a jar of pennies.A metallic vaginal odor could be due to blood from menstruation or light bleeding after sex traveling through your vaginal canal. Blood contains iron, which explains the smell of metal. It could also be from coming in contact with semen, which can affect your vagina's pH balance.
Why does my blood smell like copper?
Blood, containing Fe2+, also gives a metallic smell when smeared on our skin. This gives rise to the “coppery” odour of blood, but the smell is actually derived from the skin's fatty chemicals.Can you smell copper?
Copper has a similar effect, accounting for the metallic smell created by handling coins made of copper alloys. "When a shopkeeper hands you a coin," says Glindemann, "you're smelling his body odour."Can you actually smell metal?
What do you smell before a stroke?
There is a common myth that during a stroke, the victim will perceive the smell of burning toast. The medical term for this is phantosmia; an olfactory hallucination. In other words, a phantom smell, or a smell that isn't really there.Does COVID-19 cause phantom smells?
More than smell - COVID-19 is associated with severe impairment of smell, taste, and chemesthesis. Recent anecdotal and scientific reports have provided evidence of a link between COVID-19 and chemosensory impairments such as anosmia.What causes metallic taste and smell?
Heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion could be responsible for a metallic taste. Other symptoms you get with these conditions are bloating and a burning feeling in your chest after eating. To treat the underlying problem, avoid rich foods, eat dinner earlier, and take antacids.How do I get rid of metallic taste and smell?
Here are some ways you may reduce or temporarily eliminate taste distortion:
- Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free mints.
- Brush your teeth after meals.
- Experiment with different foods, spices, and seasonings.
- Use nonmetallic dishes, utensils, and cookware.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking cigarettes.
Does Covid make things taste like metal?
Metallic taste and COVID-19Doctors have long known that a loss of taste and smell are a possible side effect of COVID-19 — but some people have also reported a metallic taste.
Can liver problems cause metallic taste in mouth?
You have liver or kidney diseaseAlthough rare, liver or kidney disease could cause a metallic taste in your mouth, too. According to Dr. Lewis, that's because these conditions create a buildup of chemicals in the body. “These chemicals are released into the saliva, causing a metallic taste,” she says.
Can COVID alter your smell?
After having coronavirus (COVID-19), you may still have a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste. It can take time for your sense of smell or taste to recover. You may find that foods smell or taste differently after having coronavirus. Food may taste bland, salty, sweet or metallic.Can thyroid problems cause phantom smells?
In primary hypothyroidism, disorders of smell and taste turn out to be frequent pathologies [10], which is confirmed also by other researchers who indicate that hypothyroidism significantly influences smell perception attenuating or even suppressing it completely.How does COVID affect your smell?
Some viruses damage olfactory sensory neurons, nerves that help you smell. It may take months to recover from this damage. And being sick can make it hard to smell if your nose is stuffed up. With COVID-19, more than 8 in 10 people may briefly lose their sense of smell.Do Brain Tumors make you smell things?
Could it be a brain tumor? Your olfactory complex, which is what allows your brain to process smells, is in your frontal and temporal lobe. If you have a tumor in the frontal or temporal lobe, it can distort your smell system and lead to you smelling things that aren't there.What does it mean if you keep smelling ammonia?
Because a rotten smell in your nose often means you're also dealing with a sinus infection, nasal polyps, or another condition, it's likely you also have other symptoms. And because an ammonia smell in the nose can signal advanced kidney disease, see a doctor right away if you have that symptom.Is phantosmia serious?
Phantosmia is not usually a cause for concern, and it often clears up by itself. It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, so people experiencing phantom smells should see their doctor to check for underlying conditions or complications. The best treatment will depend on the cause of phantosmia.What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?
7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues
- Fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Weight loss.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Increased heart rate.
- Sensitivity to heat.
- Sensitivity to cold.
What are the symptoms of underactive thyroid in females?
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
- tiredness.
- being sensitive to cold.
- weight gain.
- constipation.
- depression.
- slow movements and thoughts.
- muscle aches and weakness.
- muscle cramps.