Hormone fluctuations during menopause can cause changes in body odor. Some women also experience a heightened sense of smell during menopause.
Have you sensed any changes in body odor, and what products have you tried? Share your experience below:
This poll ran on the Caria community site and is now closed. The final results are below.
- Yes, a major change46.13%661 votes
- Yes, a slight change38.45%551 votes
- No change15.42%221 votes
1,433 responses in total.
Community comments
69Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Rochelle5 years ago
Yes sadly. I’ve used Summer’s Eve personal wipes which works well.
Katie5 years ago
I smell more w/o deodorant than I did previously, however no different with deodorant. I use Native products. They work well and feel nice in my skin.
Amy5 years ago
Native has been a life saver for me as well!!
Jennifer5 years ago
Yes, and my pee smells weird now too. Lol
Marcia5 years ago
Me too I find myself having strong urine, but I am trying Crambury juice and tables and it seems to work
Notajenny5 years ago
I’ve had some increase in vaginal odor that began about 15 years ago and has very slowly increased a bit over time. Recently, however, in the past year-to-year and a half, I’ve noticed that my sweat from my armpits has changed a lot. It no longer smells like normal sweat and/or body odor that most everyone gets. It now smells very, very distinctive, unlike anything I’ve smelled before. It’s a somewhat complex smell, that doesn’t actually smell unpleasant, but has a sort of clinical, rather than boozy, alcohol smell to it. I’m dying to know if others smell what I’m smelling, but of course that’s kinda gross and not something I really can ask anyone to subject themselves to, in case they are smelling something far more unpleasant coming from me than what I am smelling. I hope that all makes sense. In short, I smell differently now than I used to when I sweat, but I can’t tell if it’s my sense of smell that has changed, or if my sweat actually does smell different from everyone else.
Sestia5 years ago
I loved that we can say things like this here. Go, sister!
Natalie5 years ago
Finally someone that’s on my page. I’m 50 soon and boy has it really changed for me. Been on the HRT for a year now and the extra boost means more hair under the armpits. I now use men’s deodorants and have noticed not a pleasant smell from below. Ive asked a few of my nursing buddies at work who are older than me and it’s due to the lack of moisture in the vagina and the skin thinning down there. So I’ve invested in a gel that helps ?
Trayreplying to Natalie2 years ago
I'm 60 and I can honestly say that I have never ever had a sweat body odour that's not to say I dont sweat cos I did for years with hot flushes till i started eastrogel but still didn't have under arm odour but did notice down below odour so I now wear the slim panty liners and use feminine wipes and its eliminated that problem feeling clean is important to me as it is with all women especially if the moment takes you if u know what I mean cos then u need to be fresh
Alyssareplying to Natalie2 years ago
I actually had noticed a smell down there too for at least a year now and was baffled by it. Well a couple of wks ago I went to see my gynecologist about some major itching that goes on during a couple of wks each month. Well she told me it is cuz I am dry and to try olive oil or coconut oil. She said she liked the coconut oil because of its antibacterial properties or something like that. Well… since using the coconut oil I realized out of the blue that the odor disappeared!! Long story longer try the coconut oil. :) it works better than the Honey Pot moisturizer I bought.
Sirius5 years ago
Hahaha ? I hear you! For my whole life my BO was sharp and tangy, like a wild animal. I am an athlete, so sweat is normal. A shower fixes it. Now I'm smelling SWEET. Like sugar and spice, and I'm not kidding you. Rice pudding with nutmeg. Like sex. It's bizzare. I wonder if the men can smell it, subconsciously, and that's why I get those bizarre looks in conversations, and even old blokes are flirting with me! Argh.
Gina5 years ago
Hi , thank you for sharing this with us. And Yes I do .. Smell that is ?. No seriously, I get you on the change of smell thing, it’s not a horrible smell but different . And I mostly get around my breast area where I sweat a lot due to hot flushes. It’s quite potent sometimes when I take my bra off . But weird right ?.. I’d love to know wether this is solely based on hormonal changes , or is related to non monthly cycles ?.. Thanks again for sharing keep well ??
Veronica5 years ago
Yes, definitely my sweat has a stronger smell than it used to. I have started to get an unpleasant smell down below. I thought it thrush at first but it’s not. I read it’s something to do with the Ph levels in your body snd hormones. I’ve not tried any products yet but will do. Any recommendations greatly appreciated.
Trayreplying to Veronica2 years ago
I to had odour down below which is to do with ph levels when women start menopause because we produce more testosterone in the menopause I use slim panty liners and use femanine wipes a couple of times a day and it seems to eradicate the problem
Jennifer5 years ago
I am super hyper sensitive to smell now, especially cleaning products like Lysol. If I clean the litter box, all I smell is litter box for DAYS. My body odor smells like a locker room. Awful! I am so ridiculously sweaty that it’s embarrassing!
Pamreplying to Jennifer4 years ago
My sense of smells was already sensitive now it’s worse ?
Jeni3 years ago
I have noticed exactly what you have just described, in the past year to year and a half. I’m just about to turn 45 and I’ve been having perimenopausal symptoms for the past two years.
val5 years ago
use femfresh was pubic area more use underarm stick deodorant as Im allergic to most brands use one with no ammonia no scents
val5 years ago
my urine smells weird now wether due to menopause as now59 but noticed it more when go to the loo ?
Victoria5 years ago
I’ve noticed the change in urine odour too, it’s much stronger and more pungent and changed this year. I’m 53, vegetarian with a fairly ‘clean’ diet and my diet hasn’t changed significantly (slightly more vegan if anything) . I spent months worrying I had a UTI or BV but tests came back clear - drinking enough water seems to help. I’m glad we can talk about this stuff here. As women we seem to spend our whole lives being encouraged to monitor and rectify our bodies and find it lacking. It’s great that we can support and encourage each other here, rather than feel undermined and self-conscious! We ROCK ladies!!! ???
Natashareplying to Victoria5 years ago
Mine does this when I eat asparagus. I love asparagus, but my urine smells slightly like a skunk.
Rebecca5 years ago
Yes at times during the month it’s like I have onions in my armpits. Its awful. I can wash and I’ve tried several deodorants but it makes no difference. I’m starting to look into avoiding certain foods to see if that helps.
Hil5 years ago
Try wiping your armpits with Listerine, let it dry before putting deodorant on.
Janine2 years ago
Same! I never smell in my armpits at all but every now and then when I miss a few periods I smell like onions. It’s revolting and it comes and goes. I know it’s definitely to do with peri menopause. Another delightful symptom.
Maja4 months ago
Or try using antibacterial hand soap on the days you smell extra bad. Got the tip from my mom and it works wonders for me too. Don’t use it all the time though (you don’t want your skin bacteria getting resistant to this trick ;-)
Alison5 years ago
Yes, it’s a very strong odor. I’ve started using clinical strength deodorant. I also sweat less than I used to when I exercise yet I smell more!
Mindy5 years ago
I get bad armpit smells a few days before my period is going to start - like someone else said, like onions. I use deodorant without aluminum, and I never smell, except those few days. I have also noticed a slight change in vaginal smells, again, related to my cycle.
Angela5 years ago
I hadn’t considered that it might be my sense of smell that had changed. I have been aware that I smell more, my body odour has changed, I think I smell more like a sweaty bloke. But, that said, when my husband comes home from work, I think he smells more strongly than he used to as well, so it has to be my sense of smell, I guess. Showering more, using body spray more. Trying not to feel self conscious at work.
Ouida5 years ago
I’m trying the Honey pot feminine wash and Panty spray Lavender. Just started and hopefully it helps. The dryness is unbelievable and it’s so aggravating. I need help and don’t know which way to go.
Melissa5 years ago
I’ve tried the Honey pot products!! Unfortunately I have sensitive skin and it just made it worse for my skin ! I do use a panty spray! I’ve tried replenish for my dryness at first it was a bit much but I’ve used less of than required and added a pantry liner
Looreplying to Melissa5 years ago
Good Clean Love has products like Honey Pot without the intense feeling.
Caroline5 years ago
Hate to admit to it but mine smells like beef and onion crisps...anyone from the UK that gets this? That’s my armpits! Haven’t had a change in the nether regions scent yet! But god help me it’s not beef and onion as well otherwise I’ve really lucked out!
Jenny5 years ago
I have noticed a stronger sweat smell in my armpits. I don’t use antiperspirant, only deodorant. I could use any brand and it would be sufficient. These days if I don’t want to worry about stinking I use Dove’s men deodorant (no antiperspirant). My urine smells stronger too especially when I eat fish. I smell what I ate!
Loo5 years ago
Same! I used to love cod but I’ve stopped eating it because my pee then smells just like it.
Nicole3 years ago
Oh thank goodness it’s not just me. I’ve been saying to my husband, why does my pee smell like cod? It’s stronger sometimes & I do eat a lot of fish in my diet. I’m gonna see if it correlates with when I eat fish.
Rhinda5 years ago
I wondered if I was alone in this! I’ve been to my doctor trying to figure out what’s going on “down there” because the odor is unnerving...especially during intercourse. She said everything was normal. She did encourage me to check my hormones with a saliva test and start taking regular probiotics to help keep down any yeast that might try to grow because I’ve been having reoccurring yeast infections. I’ve been on the probiotics for over a month and it’s helping with the yeast. Odor comes and goes. Had my hormones tested but don’t have results back yet.
Lily5 years ago
I had been wanting to ask this question but was very embarrassed to. I have a strong odor down under even though I’m washing my body twice a day. It’s so uncomfortable! I’ve asked my husband if he smells anything different but I think he’s too kind to say it and make me feel bad. Now I’m beginning to think that maybe my sense of smell might be heightened? Either way, I’ve tried just drinking water (I'm a coffee lover) and I don’t notice a difference. Do I need to go see my gyno and talk to her about it? Any help is greatly appreciated. ❤️
Natasha5 years ago
My sister once experienced this, and had forgot a tampon! The Dr found it and she said it was disgusting. She was so thankful she hadn’t developed TSS, and now uses a menstrual cup. The Dr told her if she ever needed to check, to stick her finger in, and feel around for what feels like the tip of the nose. If she touches that and nothing else, she is “all clear”.
Katherine5 years ago
Yes I also believe my sense of smell is also heightened,, but I definitely notice a change of odour as well, some days better than others.?
Liz4 years ago
I am the same down below especially when I’m ready to bless and right after I went to the gynaecologist and I now get on repeat prescription relactagel it helps the ph balance come back to normal
Pam4 years ago
I’ve been experiencing some of the same symptoms I was wondering was I losing my mind bc I know a wash ?. I’ve been on this menopause journey coming up on a year and this changes are driving me in sane ???
RGW5 years ago
I am 60 and coming up to one year for my last period. My peri lasted at least 5 years!! I have always had a fondness for my body odor, and I’ve noticed lately it’s gotten sharper and less pleasant. I use a crystal rock for controlling the odors, it doesn’t seem to be working as well. When it comes to vaginal odors, mine has been changing as well. After sexual intercourse, it’s quite strong and I feel, unpleasant. But after a while comes back to normal. Sometimes I smell a very strong urine smell and washing seems to solve it. Eating less sugar and drinking more water seems to help.
Renée5 years ago
Thank goodness!!! I am 58 I had a hysterectomy at 42 but kept my ovaries - I noticed about a month or 2 ago that I smelled like “a grandmother” at the end of the day!!! Now I know why???
Teresa5 years ago
Yes, I agree that the smell of onions enters my armpits occasionally. I’m not having problems with the lowlands yet, but no doubt it’s coming. Why did Eve have to be so defiant?
Natasha5 years ago
This question makes me laugh. I was a natural deodorant convert for over a decade, then I started getting night sweats (day and night) and heat flashes. I stink so badly I can’t even stand myself. Back on the commercial deodorant and almost want to put panty liners in my Bella’s to absorb the sweat! ?
Lynda5 years ago
Yep i don’t have armpits issues but the ‘lowlands’ (as someone mentioned earlier ?) is smelly ? and it’s going on for a few years now and in recent times even stinkier after sex?. FFS ??♀️ as if I don’t have enough symptoms to be dealing with!
alitia2 years ago
same here at 43 perimnopause is killing me
Ceels5 years ago
It’s interesting to read of other people noticing a change in their body odour especially from the armpits. I noticed it recently too, like onions, but put it down to a change in the roll on deodorant. I now think differently and am relieved it’s not just me. I also worry that other people have noticed it but as someone else has said it’s a bit difficult to ask. Not noticed any change in smell down below but am very itchy down there which is also driving me nuts sometimes too.
SarahJay5 years ago
I’ve been noticing a change in vaginal odor and armpits as well. I’m 51 and started to notice a couple of months ago. I’ve tried showering a few times a day but that doesn’t really help. It’s so uncomfortable and I feel like other people can smell it. Any suggestions to minimize it? It’s driving me crazy. Also, just want to say how amazed I am at how strong we all are as women. We go through so much but keep “swimming”. Virtual hugs to all.
Amanda4 years ago
I have felt terrible shame over this. I smell absolutely awful down there, no matter what I do. I just learned that there sweat glands down there. Yay. It also smells like there’s urine too, so apparently I’m leaking. Super. I’ve purchased panty liners in bulk and change several times a day but the edges of panties get sweaty, I guess I could try the kind with wings, they’re not my favorite though. And I don’t use tampons so I’m 99% sure there isn’t one rotting in there. There’s a company called Lume, it’s a company started by a woman feeling our pain. I try using the lotion but I’m not enamored with the “flavor” I got, will keep trying. They also have these wipes that you can use everywhere, love them. I just started noticing my underarms smelling like onions, so I’m excited about that. I have used, LOVED & been obsessed with Native deodorant for years, can’t resist all of the great limited edition scents they come out with and end up buying when I don’t need, creating a stockpile. So, I just need to find one that compliments onion. I’ve put on so much weight which adds to my shame. I don’t even want to talk to a doctor about it because I’m dismissed after they see my weight. I could be bleeding from my eyeballs and they would blame it on my weight, tell me to diet and exercise and come back in 6 months. I feel sad, gross and ashamed.
Rhonda4 years ago
Amanda, I am so happy to hear that someone has tried Lume! I see their ads all the time, but hadn’t tried it yet. I sweat profusely in my lower region…I can only guess that this is the area where my hot flashes occur…that and underneath my breasts! My underwear become soaked in the “V” region where my legs meet my pubic area. I do not experience odor, just insane sweating. I fear that if I ask a doctor about it, they will just tell me to lose weight. So, I can feel for you with the weight gain. I have always had a high metabolism and was an athlete. After my third kid at age 40, everything changed, however. Now that I am 49, closing in on 50, I suddenly have a belly and back fat under my bra line! It is so embarrassing and I keep trying to get back on my exercise regimen, but life seems to keep getting in the way! Hang in there and love yourself at every stage! Thank you for sharing!
Milliereplying to Rhonda4 years ago
I recommend Lumé. I have used several of the fragrances they offer including the unscented. I like the orange best. It doesn’t work quite as well as it used to a few years ago for me, however my cycles also changed dramatically over the same time slot.
Laura2 years ago
Amanda I’m not laughing AT you - “I could be bleeding from my eyeballs and they would blame it on my weight” has me seriously rolling on the floor because it’s so true! I could have a bone sticking out of my leg, and a doc would prob ask me “so when was your last period” I hope you can find some relief ❤️
Laurac4 years ago
Yes! I was going to ask this question today! I’ve noticed my odor had changed from minimal to end of day I can have a bo that is just different. Tangier than it used to be. Good to see it’s not just me!
Millie4 years ago
First, after surviving COVID my sense of smell changed for certain things so I’m very sensitive if my armpits are smelling closer to a hoagie than the orange fragrance of Lumé. I guess it’s hormones to blame as I don’t eat or drink the same things every day.
Terri4 years ago
Yes, That true I did not notice at first but when my gynecologist told me I freak out and she calm me down and say that usually happens in women. And the inching is unbearable
Terri4 years ago
Yeah in private parts
Nille4 years ago
I have noticed that underarm deodorant does not last very long on me. I start to smell after only a few hours under my arms. It’s a subtleness but if feel like I need to shower. I am also gaining weight, more tired, my body feels like Im 80yrs old, and let’s not talk about forgetfulness…..
Linds3 years ago
After getting covid last year, no matter how much I wash and reapply deodorant my armpits won’t stop stinking. I literally can get in the shower and scrub hard with a soapy rag and step out the shower and sniff and they will still stink. Idk what to do. It’s ridiculous and makes me feel very insecure I never had issues with this before Covid.
Nicole3 years ago
I don’t know if this would help but I had a very stinky teenage son & my friend said get him on antiperspirant not deodorant. Deodorant just covers the smell, it doesn’t stop the sweat. Changed his life. I’ve started using antiperspirant instead now too.
Jenn X3 years ago
I used to have strong BO both from pits and punny. Now I smell nothing, which I think is odd. I may get a slight musty scent from my crotch when stressed but that’s it.
Tray2 years ago
I'm 60 and being and feeling clean has always been important to me I shower every single day I use feminine wipes after I pee just incase I or my hubby want sex which I want to always feel clean and fresh in the moment
DeeDee70502 years ago
Absolutely !! In fact THAT'S exactly how I ended up here on your thread ( EVERY cloud n'all that 😊). I don't smell ANYTHING like 'me' OR like anything I could use to describe this new aroma! So, don't worry.. you're not on your own. I'm wondering if when we come out the other side, will our scent return to what it was previously or is the new one for keeps !? Much love and respect to ALL my menopausal sisters... stay strong, keep smiling ( even if you gotta fake it till you make it sometimes). We got this girls ♥️
Anne2 years ago
I found this thread because I have noticed a horrible body odor appear over the past couple of months, and have been seeking info and relief. I am 60, and entered menopause roughly 6 years ago. About 6 months ago, I noticed a ‘good’ body odor that I actually welcomed. I thought maybe this was a result of eating a cleaner diet (though I have been eating this way for years.) Then a couple of months ago a horrible odor appeared, and I can hardly stand myself. I started wondering if it was from hair product buildup and sweat. My odor is not originating in the vaginal area, but rather a total body scent, after I’ve sweat, from overheating (though my hot flashes are minimal). I am so self-conscious about it and fear that everyone around me can smell it, though I’ve not had the courage to ask. From the little that I’ve read, I know that hormonal changes and drops in estrogen can cause a change in body odor. I am very distressed about it and hoping this is not a permanent state of being. As another poster mentioned, I also wonder if my sense of smell is heightened. I have my annual physical exam scheduled next month, and intend to ask my female GP about it. I have just started using Lume deodorant in the armpit area only, and very much like the product, although it seems the odor is coming from all over my body and not just one area. I do have a wonderful product recommendation for anyone who is experiencing vaginal dryness and itching. Kindra Daily Vaginal lotion (online) is an absolute game changer. It is all natural and completely resolved the dryness and itching for me. Highly recommend for post-menopausal life. Thank you to everyone for offering your experiences and insighthere. So little info is out there about what happens to womens’ bodies late in life. I appreciate you all.
vanessa2 years ago
I am glad I found this page not sure how long these comments was made. This is January 2024 and not only is it smelly down there but my urine is very strong and I am very also irrrritated. I went to the gyn and see told me I didn't need to come back because I had a full Hysterectomy. I feel we still have issus and need to talk to someone. I have to wash my underwear as soon as I take it off because of the smell. It came as it I got odler I am 58 year old
Patty2 years ago
I had a hysterectomy in 2018. But even before this me and heat don't get along. But I can go from hot to cold in a flash with no warning. I am hypothyroidism but still can't get my meds under control. But I sweat so bad that it's like I just had a shower it's so embarrassing. Sometimes it looks like I peed my pants. Even wearing pads. I usually bring extra clothes when I go somewhere. And my sweat smells like onions and now I smells my period. I did read i did try it for the first time to wash with antibacterial soap then wash with another soap cause it could to make your skin dry. I tried secret clinical 72 h invisible. I did not smell like onions so so far that helped. It's tough being a woman haha
Christy1 year ago
OMG! Yes! I just posted in another board that I feel like I’m in puberty all over again because of different body odor and acne! Ugh! I still use my same deodorant- but I apply it throughout the day instead of just in the morning. I also use perfume and spray on my clothes around all the odor “suspect” areas! Some natural non scented wipes to help with vaginal odor. The struggle is so real!
Silvia1 year ago
According to my doctor, I am in perimenopause and I have been experiencing a strong and unpleasant bad odor in my armpits for 4 years and a heightened sense of smell. This is driving me crazy because I have spent a lot of money on deodorants but none of them help me with this horrible smell in my armpits. Please help!
Kerry1 year ago
Completely agree, it seems to change for me across the day too.