What’s the Relationship Between Menopause and Body Odor?

Noticing a change in how you smell? You're not imagining it — and you’re not alone. This shift could be related to menopause!  

It’s totally normal for body odor to change during this time. In fact, at least 12% of females ages 40-65 say they’ve experienced a change in body odor.* It might feel strange and even a little embarrassing, but it’s a normal part of the menopause journey. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it.  

What does menopause body odor smell like? 

Sweat is your body’s natural cooling system, especially during hot flashes and night sweats. It's mostly water, and as it evaporates, it helps cool your skin. Sweat doesn’t smell on its own. But when it mixes with the normal, healthy bacteria on your skin, it creates compounds called thioalcohols — which can produce strong odors. These smells can be sweet, tangy, or even onion-like. Everyone’s natural scent is unique, just like a fingerprint. 

Interestingly, you can also notice body odor even when you're not visibly sweating. To understand why, let’s look at the hormonal changes behind it. 

Does menopause cause body odor? 

For better or for worse, changes in your hormone levels and body odor often go together. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect how much you sweat, how your sweat smells, and even how you perceive odors. Estrogens and androgens are the main hormones involved in this shift. 

Estrogen and sweating changes during menopause 

Estrogen helps regulate body temperature and sweat. When estrogen levels change during the menopause transition, you may sweat more often — hot flashes as a prime example. More sweat means more opportunities for odors, especially in places like your underarm and groin, where there are more sweat glands. 

Androgens and body odor changes during menopause 

Androgens — often thought of as male hormones — are also naturally present in females (just in a smaller amount than males). They're a group of hormones that play a role in a female’s sexual and overall health. Androgen levels don’t change as abruptly as estrogen levels do during the menopause transition.  

During menopause, the balance between estrogen and androgens shifts, thereby increasing androgen activity. This can lead to a more intense or musky body odor when androgens interact with your sweat glands. 

Stress-induced body odor during menopause 

As you’ve probably experienced, menopause can be a stressful time. When your body experiences stress, it can make the apocrine sweat glands work harder. These glands produce a thicker sweat rich in protein and fat. These extra nutrients result in a strong body odor when this type of sweat reacts with healthy skin bacteria.  

How hormonal changes during menopause affect your sense of smell 

Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that help the olfactory system function correctly. The olfactory system is responsible for our sense of smell. When those hormone levels change (both during pregnancy and menopause), the sense of smell can be affected.  

When these hormone levels change during menopause, your olfactory system may be affected. Some people notice a reduced ability to smell, while others experience changes in how they perceive odors — or even smell things that aren't there (a condition called phantosmia). 

How can I manage changes in body odor during menopause? 

Changes in body odor are a normal part of aging, but if they bother you, there are practical ways to manage them. 

• Stay fresh by keeping clean! It may sound obvious, but it's the first step in how to treat menopause body odor. Shower regularly and use antimicrobial soap, especially in areas like your underarms and external parts of the groin, where odor-causing bacteria thrive. (Note: Do not use soap directly to the vulva/vagina.) 
• Reboot your routine. The amount of sweat you produce and what causes you to sweat may change. Pay attention to these changes and switch up your routine if you need to. If you’ve always showered before bed, but are now experiencing night sweats, consider switching your shower to the morning (or start showering twice a day). 
• Use antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants help reduce sweat, while deodorants help neutralize or mask odors. Try switching products if your typical one no longer seems to be working.  
• Choose breathable fabrics. Wear clothes made from cotton, linen, bamboo, or other materials that allow your skin to breathe. Loose-fitting clothing helps air circulate and reduces sweat buildup. 
• Pack your bag with cooling supplies. A small personal fan and cold water can help you cool down quickly when hot flashes and night sweats strike.  
• Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated. Changing your diet can be helpful in reducing strong body odors. Try to limit spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, garlic, and onions, which can intensify sweat odor. 
• Manage stress. Find effective ways to manage stress and anxiety, like exercise, yoga, or deep breathing. When you’re stressed, your body makes more of the thicker sweat from the apocrine sweat glands, that can cause a stronger smell.  

Whether you like it or not, menopause-related body odor is common. It's mostly caused by hormonal changes — especially a drop in estrogen relative to androgen activity — and sometimes by increased stress. While this symptom may stink, there are plenty of ways to feel fresh and confident. Take care of your hygiene, wear breathable fabrics, eat mindfully, and find ways to relax. If your body odor changes but doesn't bother you, it's nothing to sweat — literally.  

*Data from Attitudes & Usage study conducted with 4,578 female participants ages 40-65. Funded by Kenvue.