Everything You Need To Know About Menopause Sweating And Body Odor

Menopause body odor – is it a thing? Do we sweat and smell more as we transition through perimenopause and menopause? Sweat should never stop you from reaching your goals and living your life with confidence. Find out everything you need to know about perimenopause and menopause body odor and what you can do about it.

What causes body odor during menopause and perimenopause?

Our natural sense of smell can change as we transition into menopause. This may make us think we have body odor, even if we don’t.¹

But does menopause cause body odor? If you’re sweating more than usual – we're looking at you, hot flushes and night sweats – you may have more body odor than you’re used to. This is because our bodies sweat to cool down, and this excess sweating attracts odor-causing bacteria.

Why do my armpits smell so bad after menopause?

There are two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. Our armpits contain apocrine sweat glands, which produce a thicker, milkier sweat that odor-causing bacteria love.²

3 causes of menopause body odor

1. Hot flushes and night sweats

When you talk about menopause, the phrases ‘hot flushes’ and ‘night sweats’ usually aren’t far behind. They’re caused by changes in your estrogen levels, the hormone that affects your body’s ability to regulate temperature.¹

A ‘flush’ itself can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. And around 70% of women will experience them during menopause. Night sweats are also very common.

2. Higher testosterone levels = low estrogen body odor

Lower estrogen levels can change the ratio of estrogen to testosterone in the body. Higher testosterone levels can increase the number of bacteria in sweat, causing a stronger smell.³

3. Stress and anxiety

Feelings of stress and anxiety can increase during perimenopause and menopause. The result? More sweat, and therefore potentially more B.O.

What causes body odor during perimenopause?

We may experience the same sweaty symptoms listed above in perimenopause as estrogen levels fall.

Did you know that our natural sense of smell can change as we transition into menopause?

What is the best deodorant for menopause body odor?

Prefer more deodorant action? Try our Degree® Stress Control Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray for 72-hour sweat and odor protection. Its fresh uplifting scent will keep you feeling confident, whatever the day throws at you.

3. Wear loose-fitting clothes

Clothes that cling to your body will only make you sweatier. Instead, choose looser fits and go for natural fibers that breathe, like cotton underwear. Also, choose lighter fabrics for your nightwear.

Finding your favorite clothing plagued by sweat stains? Our handy guide has effective solutions to eliminate those stubborn marks.

For a proactive approach to fight against future sweat stains and deodorant marks, reach for our UltraClear range. Love a fresh scent? Try Degree® UltraClear Black+White Pure Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick that pairs up to 72 hours of sweat and odor protection with a clean, airy scent. Plus, its anti-white mark and anti-yellow stain technology fights against embarrassing deodorant and sweat marks on your clothes.

4. Avoid sweaty triggers

Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, spicy food and smoking. These can all make you sweat more and can even trigger a hot flush.

5. Keep moving

Don’t let a little sweat slow you down. Staying fit and exercising has been shown to help keep hot flushes and night sweats at bay.

6. Watch your weight

The heavier you are, the more likely you are to get hot flushes and night sweats.

7. Stay hydrated

Always carry a bottle of water with you, to keep cool and hydrated. It’s also useful to keep a bottle of cool water by your bedside table, too.

8. Keep your bedroom cool

Especially if you’re experiencing night sweats, by:

• Leaving a window open
• Switching to lighter fabrics for your bedclothes
• Using layered bedding, so you can adjust them when you get too hot
• Placing a frozen cold pack under your pillow, turning it over to get fresh coolness throughout the night

Now you’ve uncovered the link between sweating, body odor and changing hormones during perimenopause and menopause, nothing can stop you. With smart lifestyle changes and the right products, you can tackle it with confidence. You’ve got this!

Take control of menopause body odor and get back to your best and most confident self.

References:

1. Golen T, Ricciotti H. Why has my natural scent changed during perimenopause?. Harvard Health Publishing. 2023.
2. Baker LB. Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health. Temperature (Austin). 2019.