Cloudy urine and dehydration: Understand the science, listen to your body

<p><strong>Cloudy urine on its own is typically not a sign of dehydration, though if the haziness persists or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek a healthcare provider evaluation. Cloudy urine could be a sign of an infection or other health issue. Other urine changes, such as blood in your pee or extremely dark urine, should never be ignored.</strong></p><p>Sometimes, things just start looking cloudy. No, we’re not talking about the weather: Your pee can actually appear hazy on occasion. But does cloudy urine mean <a href="https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/dehydration-causes-and-symptoms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dehydration</a>? Not so fast. While the look of your pee can be an indicator of underlying issues, urine appearance is like a relationship status: It’s complicated and requires nuance.</p><p>According to emergency medical physician and former Dive Medical Officer for the Navy SEALs <a href="https://firemdmn.com/team/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul Nystrom, MD</a>, cloudy urine is more likely to be a symptom of a urinary tract infection than of dehydration.&nbsp;</p><p>“I don't think about it in relation to hydration. Context matters,” he adds. In other words, <strong>urine color can indicate hydration status, but it doesn’t always tell you a complete story.</strong></p><p>“It can lag behind real-time changes in body hydration and is influenced by food, supplements (especially B vitamins), and medications,” explains OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist <a href="https://drlorashahine.com/about-new" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lora Shahine, MD</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>By the end of this article, you'll understand what causes cloudy urine and what your pee can tell you about your health and hydration status, plus more.</p><h2>What Is Cloudy Urine?</h2><p>Cloudy urine is exactly what it sounds like — urine that appears milky or hazy in appearance. This is in contrast with the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557685/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pale yellow and translucent</a> urine that's generally considered "normal.”&nbsp;</p><p>But occasional cloudy urine isn't always cause for immediate alarm. It all depends on the symptom’s frequency, your overall health, any underlying conditions, and more.&nbsp;</p><p>Read on for when changes in your pee require medical attention.</p><h2>What Causes Cloudy Urine?</h2><p>Urine is a useful, though imperfect, indicator of overall health, Dr. Shahine says. “While hydration often gets the focus, persistent changes in urine appearance, especially when paired with other symptoms, can reveal important clues about kidney function, metabolic conditions, or infections.”</p><p>She adds, “Paying attention to what’s ‘normal’ for you — and noting when things change — is key to early detection of potentially serious conditions.”</p><p>“Cloudiness can result from harmless causes like phosphate crystals or more concerning conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or protein in the urine,” Dr. Shahin says. “If urine is consistently cloudy, especially with a foul smell or discomfort, it’s worth evaluating. Sudden changes in urine appearance that persist should be brought to a healthcare provider’s attention.”</p><p>Dr. Nystrom has a similar take. “Cloudy urine with foul smelling urine, dysuria (painful urination), increased urinary frequency, history of UTIs, etc., make me think about infection,” he says. “I'll check a urinalysis (UA) if someone complains of it, but again, context matters and if the UA is clean, I don't worry about it.”</p><p>If cloudy urine persists or is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation. Cloudy urine may be a result of these factors:</p><ul><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26509782/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Crystalluria</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Excess crystals from kidney stones, a high-protein diet, a high-oxalate diet (from spinach, nuts, chocolate, and more), or a Standard American Diet heavy in processed, packaged foods, can all make urine cloudy.</li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33232060/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Proteinuria</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Excess protein (albumin, globulin, etc.) in the urine because of issues <a href="https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/11-10-1815_HBE_PatBro_Urinalysis_v6.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">such as kidney disease</a> can sometimes cause cloudy or foamy urine.</li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40109816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Pyuria</strong></a><strong>: </strong>The presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) can cloud urine. Pyuria can result from a UTI, sexually transmitted infection (STI), kidney stones, medications, and more.</li><li><strong>UTI:</strong> “Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, especially if accompanied by symptoms like urgency, burning, or foul odor,” Dr. Shahine says. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4457377/#:~:text=UTIs%20are%20caused%20by%20both,1)." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bacteria or yeast</a> can cause a UTI.</li><li><strong>STI: </strong>“In sexually active individuals, cloudy urine can occasionally be linked to sexually transmitted infections,” Dr. Shahine says. Notable culprits include <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537286/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chlamydia</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558903/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gonorrhea</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK534826/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trichomoniasis</a>.</li><li><strong>Vaginal discharge or sperm: </strong>In the female body, the vagina and urethra are close together, and in the male body, sperm ejaculates from the penis through the urethra. Therefore, cloudy urine could simply be vaginal discharge or sperm in the toilet. The latter could be present for females after sexual intercourse with a male.</li><li><strong>Certain </strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470195/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>medications</strong></a><strong> or supplements: </strong>Antibiotics, blood thinners, <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21894-cloudy-urine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vitamins such as B6 supplements</a>, phosphate-containing supplements, and more can all cause turbid (cloudy) urine.</li></ul><h2>Can Dehydration Cause Cloudy Urine?</h2><p>Many factors affect urine appearance, but cloudy urine —&nbsp;or color of urine in general —&nbsp;doesn’t necessarily reflect your <em>current</em> hydration status. And doctors don’t use urine clarity or color alone to diagnose a condition.</p><p>“Color of urine does not lead me to a specific thing,” Dr. Nystrom says.<strong> “Urine color is a result of whatever has been happening in your body since the last time you urinated. Vitamins, energy drinks, and hydration can all have an effect.”</strong></p><p>Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical processes your body undergoes to maintain life, such as converting food to energy. Some of the byproducts of metabolism end up in your pee.</p><p>Dr. Nystrom offers an example: “If you wake up and urinate, then drink a Monster, then do a one-hour high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout and don't drink anything for an hour, then eat and hydrate and urinate again after four hours, all of that metabolizing your body was doing is now reflected in your urine.”</p><p>What will it look like? Nystrom says it might be a bright yellow from the energy drink because it contains vitamin B2 (aka riboflavin). It might be darker from the dehydration brought on by the HIIT workout, even though you rehydrated afterward. Or it might even be a normal pale and translucent yellow from rehydration efforts right after your workout.</p><p>“Thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced urine output are more reliable early indicators of dehydration,” Dr. Shahine says. “The best approach combines subjective symptoms with objective signs like urine color and volume.”</p><p><strong>So, urine color isn’t actually a real-time measure for your hydration status. It’s a delayed response that can be impacted by a number of factors and lifestyle choices.</strong></p><h3>Common signs and symptoms of dehydration</h3><p>If you suspect you may be dehydrated, look beyond urine color and for more <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">indicative signs</a> including:</p><ul><li>Dry mouth or throat</li><li>Dry skin</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Headache</li><li>Less frequent urination</li><li><a href="https://science.drinklmnt.com/did-you-know/what-causes-muscle-cramps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Muscle cramps</a></li><li>Nausea</li><li>Substantial drops in physical or cognitive performance</li><li>Thirst</li><li>Weakness</li></ul><h2>Cloudy Urine and Electrolyte Imbalance</h2><p>An <a href="https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/prevent-electrolyte-imbalance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">electrolyte imbalance</a> is the overconcentration or dilution of (too much or too little) sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate in the body.</p><p>Electrolytes help maintain fluid and facilitate crucial functions, including <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6627949/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">blood pressure</a> regulation, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nerve signaling</a>, and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082167/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">muscle contraction</a>. That’s why maintaining a proper electrolyte balance is important.&nbsp;</p><p>Electrolyte imbalances don’t directly cause cloudy urine, but when urine becomes more concentrated it has a higher proportion of waste products, including excreted electrolytes, compared with fluid.&nbsp;</p><p>If this is the case, the body is likely holding onto fluid because of dehydration. But typically, <strong>rather than making urine cloudy, an electrolyte imbalance will alter pee color, often making it a </strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557685/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>darker yellow</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>If you suspect dehydration based on symptoms mentioned earlier along with other factors such as your recent activities, hot weather exposure, or illness, then <a href="https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/how-to-stay-hydrated/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">drinking plain water is <em>not</em> the solution</a>.</p><p>You are potentially deficient in key electrolytes, mainly sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are lost in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591820/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">largest amounts</a> during sweat and urination. You will need to add these back in for <a href="https://science.drinklmnt.com/did-you-know/10-benefits-of-staying-hydrated/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">proper hydration</a>.</p><h2>How to Clear Cloudy Urine</h2><p>Although cloudy urine may not be caused by dehydration, if you suspect you’re dehydrated, the first line of defense is drinking more water.&nbsp;</p><p>But if cloudy urine doesn't resolve itself within a few trips to the bathroom, you should consult your healthcare provider. You may have an infection or need an antibiotic. Or if you have a kidney issue, you may need a different treatment.&nbsp;</p><p>Keep in mind that one instance of cloudy urine may not be cause for concern; your urine may return to its normal color and clarity when you next go to the bathroom. If it doesn’t, consult your healthcare provider.</p><h2>When to Seek Medical Care</h2><p>You should seek immediate medical attention for the following symptoms in conjunction with cloudy or unusual urine color:</p><ul><li>Blood in urine</li><li>Dark urine (or extremely discolored)</li><li>Fainting or loss of consciousness</li><li>Hallucinations or confusion</li><li>High fever</li><li>Hypotension (low blood pressure)</li><li>Lack of sweating even when hot</li><li>Seizures&nbsp;</li><li>Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)</li></ul><p>“Blood in the urine (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534213/#:~:text=Hematuria%2C%20defined%20as%20the%20abnormal%20presence%20of,or%20urine%20microscopy%20without%20apparent%20visual%20blood." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hematuria</a>), whether visible or microscopic, should never be ignored — it can be a sign of infection, kidney stones, trauma, or even bladder or kidney cancer,” Dr. Shahine explains.&nbsp;</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ul><li>Sudden urine cloudiness may not be a cause for concern if urine returns to normal the next time you pee.&nbsp;</li><li>Cloudy pee alone also isn’t a direct sign of dehydration.</li><li>Persistent cloudy urine, especially if accompanied by pain, blood in your pee, or other unusual symptoms, could indicate issues such as an infection or kidney problem. Don’t ignore these symptoms; seek treatment from a healthcare provider.</li></ul><h2>FAQ</h2><h3>Can being dehydrated make pee cloudy?</h3><p>Cloudy urine alone is generally not a direct sign of dehydration, but it can indicate other issues, such as an infection or kidney issue, especially when accompanied by other symptoms. Instead, urine color and volume might be a better sign of whether you are hydrated or dehydrated. But remember that urine is a delayed signal. For example, darker urine is more concentrated, meaning you may have lost fluids and electrolytes earlier.</p><h3>Why is my urine suddenly very cloudy?</h3><p>Sudden urine cloudiness may not be a cause for concern if urine returns to normal the next time you pee. However, if haziness persists or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as pain or blood in your pee, seek a healthcare provider evaluation. The cloudiness might be an indicator of a urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infection, a kidney concern, or another health issue — a medical expert can confirm what’s up. But remember that urine appearance can simply change throughout the day.</p><h3>Is cloudy urine a sign of rhabdomyolysis?</h3><p>Dark-colored urine can be a symptom of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846335/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rhabdomyolysis</a>, a serious condition that should never be ignored. If you engage in strenuous physical activity, whether for work or recreation, this message is for you: “Rhabdo causes myoglobin to be released from damaged muscle cells, which can damage the kidneys and cause dark colored-urine,” Dr. Nystrom says. “Again, context matters. Most often there is a preceding history of an excessive workout, muscle&nbsp;soreness, and the athlete overdid it. Either too much athlete ego or too much coach ego.” If you suspect rhabdo, you should seek immediate medical evaluation to avoid lasting organ damage.</p><h3>Should I go to the ER for cloudy urine?</h3><p>One instance of cloudy urine is not a likely cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing consistently cloudy urine, especially with a foul smell or discomfort, you should consult your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic or urgent care. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, such as pain, blood in your urine, hallucinations or confusion, fever, rapid heartbeat, fainting, and more, then going to the emergency room is warranted.</p><h3>What does urine look like when dehydrated?</h3><p>When you’re dehydrated, your urine will likely look more concentrated from electrolyte loss and decreased fluid output, meaning it may be a darker yellow than usual. Make sure to replenish fluids as well as electrolytes for optimal hydration.</p>