Menopause Body Odor: What to Know & What to Do

Menopause is the gift that keeps on giving.

And one extra that you might not have expected is menopause body odor.

Fun, right?!

But the good news is, there are plenty of practical steps you can take to address it.

We’re going to look at what’s going on and what you can do about it.

Let’s dive in.

In this article: 📝

Do you smell more during menopause?

If you’re experiencing an increase in body odor, menopause may indeed be to blame.

One of the most common menopause symptoms is hot flashes, and they often come with perspiration.

Night sweats can be so intense that you may have to change your night clothes and bedding.

Anxiety can also cause us to sweat.

Apart from all the other goodies you might be going through, anxiety can be a symptom of menopause too.

While sweat itself doesn’t smell, bacteria breaking down the proteins it contains creates an odor.

The kind of sweat our bodies produce when we’re anxious comes from the apocrine glands.

And it’s particularly tasty to bacteria, meaning a stronger smell.

But feeling smelly doesn’t necessarily mean anyone else is noticing an odor.

And any body odor you detect during menopause may be nowhere near as strong as you think.

Does body odor get worse during perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to when you stop ovulating.

And perimenopause symptoms are often very similar to those experienced at menopause (defined as 12 months after your last period).

The same things that can cause body odor during menopause can apply during perimenopause, too, as your body prepares for this big transition.

Can perimenopause cause smelly armpits?

Every experience of perimenopause is different.

But if you get hot flashes — and something like 80 percent of women going through perimenopause do — sweating is often part of the package.

And the apocrine glands that produce sweat when we’re anxious are located in our armpits and groin.

So yep, anxiety during this time can indeed give us sweaty pits too.

How do you stop menopausal body odor?

When it comes to how to treat menopause body odor, there are lots of options.

Start by remembering that what you’re experiencing is completely normal.

And it’s quite likely that the only person who’s noticed your body odor in menopause is you.

So try not to sweat it (see what we did there?!).

The more anxious you get, the more you’ll perspire.

Yoga and meditation can be a good way to quieten your mind.

Or how about taking a bath or getting stuck into a book?

Try to take time for whatever helps you relax and unwind.

If you’re struggling with hot flashes or night sweats, fans, cooling pillows, and cooling sprays can all help.

Wearing clothing made of natural fibers will wick moisture away from your skin too.

And keeping some freshening wipes on hand can provide quick relief.

If your symptoms are feeling quite debilitating, talk to your doctor.

Treatment for menopause symptoms is available and is effective for many people.

What is the best deodorant for menopause?

Look for antiperspirants that also contain antibacterial agents.

These will reduce sweat and get rid of the bacteria that cause it to smell.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about a change in body odor during menopause.

Some extra-strong deodorants are available on prescription only.

The bottom line on menopause body odor

Menopause body odor is something many women experience.

And while it’s not fun, there are lots of practical steps you can take to combat it.

With all those unusual menopause symptoms, including a sudden increase in body odor, finding solidarity with others who are going through the same thing can really help.

Why not check out our menopause community for advice and support?

You don’t have to do this alone.