Menopause and body odor: Why it happens and what can help

If you’re like a lot of women, the last time you worried regularly about how you smelled was somewhere around puberty. For decades, maybe you could shower, swipe on some deodorant, and call it a day. But then, in menopause, things shifted. In between experiencing symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes, you may have started noticing something strange — the unexpected scent of body odor.

Stressed about now having to worry about what you smell like on top of all the other menopause symptoms? At least know that you’re not alone. Many women notice stronger body odor during perimenopause and menopause, and it can be tricky to deal with. Keep reading to find out what to do.

Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause can influence sweating patterns, which can contribute to menopause body odor. The drop in estrogen levels can make your core body temperature go up slightly, triggering hot flashes, profuse sweating, and feelings of intense heat. 

Even though sweat itself is odorless, it can react with bacteria, which causes a smell. Hot flashes and night sweats increase moisture for bacteria, which can indirectly intensify odor for some women. 

That said, everyone reacts differently to menopause, so it may not cause body odor for you. A tricky thing is that perimenopause can also change your sense of smell, making you think you have B.O., even when you don’t. 

How sweat, skin bacteria, and hormones interact

Your body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. When you’re hot, these glands release sweat onto your skin’s surface to help cool your body temperature. Eccrine glands are found throughout your body, but apocrine glands are found only in areas like your groin and armpits. 

Eccrine sweat glands regulate temperature through evaporative heat loss.

Apocrine glands start to function at puberty when they are activated by androgens (hormones like testosterone). They are larger and produce a thicker fluid, which can produce a stronger odor after reacting with bacteria. The bacterium on your skin breaks down the apocrine sweat, causing the smell. Apocrine glands also respond quickly to norepinephrine (the hormone that circulates during stress responses), which is why stress can make you break out in a sweat.

Body odor during menopause can vary from one person to another. Some people describe their body odor as stronger or musky, or even ammonia- or urine-like. 

Others simply report that they smell "different." It’s important to note that your sensitivity to smell may have changed too, which could explain why you might sense a new, "off" smell from your body.

Hormonal disturbances may also cause some women to experience “phantom odors.” This is clinically referred to as phantosmia.

Hot flashes and night sweats are both menopause symptoms brought on by changing hormone levels. (Night sweats are simply hot flashes that happen at night, often disrupting your sleep.) They tend to come on quickly and can range in severity from a feeling of warmth to an intense burst that can cause facial flushing, and sweating.

Sweating a lot due to hot flashes and night sweats can feed bacteria, leading to increased body odor.

Night sweats vs. daytime hot flashes: staying cool

Simple adjustments can help you to stay comfortable when dealing with menopause-induced night sweats or hot flashes.

• Try to keep your bedroom at a cool temperature overnight, and sleep with a fan on.

• Drink some water before bed to hydrate.

• Make up your bed in layers of breathable fabrics, so you can remove them if you wake up feeling too hot at night.

During the day, try to dress in layers so that you can remove clothing at the start of a hot flash. You could also carry a portable fan.

Luckily there are some everyday lifestyle strategies that should be able to help with odor management. Steps to take include staying hydrated, following good hygiene, and wearing breathable clothing.

The easiest way to reduce any body odor tis bathing, which remove bacteria from your skin — especially after exercise. Focus on cleaning your armpits, groin, under your breasts, and your feet. Then, once you’re clean and dry, apply deodorant or anti-perspirant.

In many cases, body odor can be more of an unpleasant side effect rather than anything to worry about. But if you’re struggling to manage your menopause symptoms, speak to your clinician for advice.

Antiperspirants vs. deodorants: how to choose

Typically, over-the-counter antiperspirants include aluminum-based compounds that block your eccrine glands and stop you from sweating. Deodorants, on the other hand, won’t stop sweating. Instead, they help break down or inhibit bacteria that can cause odor. Both also often have their own fragrances to help cover odor. 

If you find that over-the-counter products aren’t helping, your clinician may be able to prescribe you something stronger, with a higher aluminum content.

Hygiene, fabric, and temperature tips

You may be able to get a handle on perimenopause or menopause sweating by tweaking your fashion choices. Choose breathable clothing when you can, and look for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk in cuts that aren’t too tight and restrictive. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can trap heat and may make you sweat more. Sleeping in breathable pajamas and bedding can also help reduce moisture build-up and potential odor overnight.

Unwashed clothes retain bacteria that can cause your sweat to smell, so don't re-wear clothes, especially if you’re experiencing hot flashes or the weather is warm.

Taking a cool shower after physical activity can help reduce your body temperature, as can avoiding heated activities like saunas and hot yoga.

Sometimes women don’t require any treatment for menopause symptoms. But if you notice a new or different odor that’s bothering you, it’s best to bring it up with your healthcare provider. 

You may be advised to keep a diary of symptoms, so it’s easier to track patterns and identify any triggers. If you notice a persistent odor despite hygiene changes — or if it comes with other symptoms like skin or urinary changes or fever — speak with your clinician.

And if you find that your hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting day-to-day life, medication may be able to help you reduce them (and the odor they contribute to).

Menopause odor red flags

In most cases, menopause body odor is nothing to be concerned about. But sometimes body odor can be a sign of an underlying health condition. People who sweat more than normal may be diagnosed with hyperhidrosis — and that may be related to an infection or an overactive thyroid gland. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to a medical professional:

• Sudden and excessive sweating

• Night sweats that soak through your sheets

• Odor changes with pain or discharge

• Signs of infection like fever or chills

• Rapid heart rate

• Trouble breathing

Certain medications or drugs could also cause a change in odor as a side effect. If you do notice a new scent, there’s no harm in checking in with your clinician to be safe (just don’t stop taking a medication without first talking to your doctor).

Some people find that certain foods or habits can affect the amount they sweat — and what it smells like. For example, when foods like garlic and onions are broken down by your body, they release sulfur-like compounds which can be excreted from your pores.

Stress, alcohol, and certain medications like antidepressants can also make you sweat more than usual, which could add to your body odor in menopause.

To better understand what may be impacting your menopause sweat smell, keep a simple tracking log to connect triggers with any changes in scent. You can then speak to your doctor about managing these.

Tracking triggers and patterns

If you notice a new smell, think back on your behavior for the day.

• What did you eat?

• What did you wear?

• How did your day go?

• Did you exercise?

• How often did it happen?

This “odor diary” may help you piece together what’s triggering your body odor.

Odors, hot flashes, and night sweats may continue after menopause, but the good news is they usually improve over time.

If you notice a change or are concerned about odor after menopause, discuss this with your clinician to rule out any underlying causes. The severity of your symptoms and your medical history, age, and personal preferences will help inform your management plan.

Body odor changes during menopause are common and usually manageable. The easiest way to stay on top of menopause body odor is to follow practical hygiene steps and make lifestyle modifications, including showering regularly, using antiperspirant rather than deodorant, dressing in breathable fabrics and wearing layers, and keeping a diary to identify any other potential triggers

Treating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats may reduce sweat-related odor. If you’re concerned about menopause and body odor, your clinician will be able to advise on a menopause care plan.

Remember, body odor is nothing to be ashamed of. Your body is going through a lot, after all! If you need support, reach out to a healthcare professional.