This article was reviewed by Julia Switzer, MD, FACOG.
Menopause and Body Odor
Key takeaways:
- Menopause body odor can happen when hormonal changes during menopause stimulate sweat glands.
- Vaginal odor can increase with hormonal fluctuations that cause dryness, pH changes, weak pelvic floor muscles, and urine leakage.
- Treatments include hormone therapy, antiperspirant and deodorant products, Botox injections, and personal hygiene changes.
Menopause can be a challenging time for women. Hormonal changes can create unwanted symptoms like sleeplessness, weight gain, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
Another widespread side effect of menopause is increased body odor. As hormones fluctuate, the body’s natural scent can change significantly, leaving you with this unwanted issue.
We’ll discuss menopause and body odor, including the causes of menopausal body odor and how to treat it.
Causes of Increased Body Odor During Menopause
Menopause-related body odor is usually caused by changing hormones and their effects on sweat glands.
Hormones shift drastically during three phases in life:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Penopause
This includes increases and decreases in cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.
Hormones and Sweat Glands
During menopause, decreased estrogen levels can change the composition of sweat and sebum (the waxy, oily stuff in pores). This can make sweat glands produce more fatty, oily, and cholesterol-containing compounds (called lipids and lipoproteins).
The body has two types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine sweat glands. Eccrine sweat glands produce clear sweat that keeps your body cool. Think of it as the non-smelly sweat.
- Apocrine sweat glands. Apocrine sweat glands (aka odoriferous sweat glands) are activated by hormonal changes and produce a thicker, milkier sweat. These glands are primarily located in the armpits and groin, but there are also some on breast areola.
Apocrine sweat glands first become active during puberty, when the body experiences significant hormonal changes. Menopause, like puberty, causes hormonal changes. The body responds by producing more sweat from these glands.
Hormonal Changes, Bacteria, and Body Odor
An increase in reproductive hormone (androgen) levels, particularly testosterone, during menopause can also stimulate apocrine glands. This can lead to excess sweating.
Fluctuations in cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) can also increase sweat production and change the skin’s microbiome. This can directly affect the balance of bacteria on the skin.
Sweat itself is odorless, but when bacteria on your skin break it down, body odor (bromhidrosis) arises. Combine this with increased sweat production — thanks, night sweats and hot flashes — and you get why you might be smelling more than usual.
Causes of Increased Vaginal Odor During Menopause
Along with body odor, vaginal odor changes are also common during perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels drop, decreased lubrication and changes to the vagina’s pH levels can affect the balance of bacteria.
Pelvic floor weakness and urinary leakage, also associated with menopause, can contribute to increased odor, too.
While mild odor changes are normal, anything with a fishy, foul, or yeasty smell could point to a more serious health issue or an infection. So if you notice a very strong or unpleasant odor, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Treatments for Menopausal Body Odor
If you’re experiencing an increase in body odor due to menopause, you aren’t alone. But various treatments, therapies, and remedies can help.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help regulate hormone levels that cause sweating, hot flashes, and night sweats, all of which can contribute to increased body odor.
But this option may not be right for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Antiperspirants
Get a good deodorant-antiperspirant combo. Ideally, the formula will have odor-fighting enzymes to get rid of smelly bacteria rather than covering it up. The antiperspirant (usually from aluminum chloride) will reduce sweat production and, therefore, lessen the smell.
If over-the-counter options aren’t working, ask your provider about prescription antiperspirants. These contain higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Good Hygiene Practices
Shower daily and consider using antibacterial soap. When you bathe, thoroughly clean areas prone to sweating, including your underarms, groin, and feet.
After showering, apply deodorant. You can also try witch hazel. It has antibacterial properties that can help fight off bacteria.
Dietary Changes and Daily Hydration
Drink plenty of water to help dilute sweat and flush out toxins from your body.
Consider changing your diet to include more:
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Healthy fats
You can also try eating fewer refined, spicy, and sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, etc.), dairy products, and alcohol. All of these might contribute to increased body odor.
Breathable Clothing
Go for natural fibers like cotton and linen, which allow for better air circulation and reduce moisture. Look into moisture-wicking socks if your feet are prone to sweating. Breathable cotton underwear can be a good choice, too.
Wash your clothes and bedding regularly to prevent odor-causing bacteria from lingering.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
If urine leakage is contributing to your menopause-related body odor, try pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels). This can help strengthen bladder and urethra muscles, essentially helping you hold your pee longer.
Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly can help flush toxins from your body while reducing stress and improving circulation — all of which can help offset the causes of body odor.
Botox Injections
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections can temporarily block the body’s nerve signals to the sweat glands, stopping sweat production. The most common areas for these shots are the underarms, soles of feet, and palms. One treatment can last about three to six months.
Bottom Line: Menopause Body Odor
Increased body odor due to hormonal fluctuations can happen during menopause — in fact, it’s fairly common. But it’s also easily treated.
If you’re experiencing a strong, persistent odor that doesn’t improve with hygiene changes or deodorants, ask your medical provider about what to try next.
FAQs
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about menopause and body odor.
What does menopause smell like?
Each person’s body chemistry is unique, and hormonal changes can alter this. Some women report a musky or sour smell, often due to an increase and change in sweat from apocrine sweat glands. This sweat contains proteins and fatty acids that can produce a more intense odor when broken down by bacteria.
Stress levels may also increase during menopause. This can alter sweat composition and production even more, creating a more pungent scent.
What is the best deodorant for menopause?
When choosing a deodorant for menopause, read the ingredients and labels thoroughly. Look for one with odor-fighting enzymes, which break down smells caused by bacteria instead of masking them. An antiperspirant with aluminum chloride can also help block sweat where you apply it. A deodorant-antiperspirant combo will help keep smells and moisture under control.
How do you get rid of menopause body odor?
Menopausal body odor can be stubborn, but there are several solutions. Start with a good hygiene regimen and quality antiperspirant. Wear loose, breathable clothing to keep you cool, and hydrate to help dilute sweat and flush out toxins.
You can also adjust your diet, staying away from foods with strong or unpleasant odors. Think garlic, onions, alcohol, and cruciferous vegetables. If this isn’t enough, ask your provider or a dermatologist about Botox injections to help with excessive sweating. You can also explore hormone replacement therapy to help balance hormones.
- Related: Menopause Weight Gain
- Related: How to Lose Weight During Menopause
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This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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