10 Great Remedies to Help With Body Odor in Menopause
For those women who are transitioning through menopause, there may be a few unexpected changes, and one of them is an increase in body odor. Although this is normal and nothing to be alarmed about, it can sometimes be bothersome and embarrassing. In this article, we will discuss the connection between body odor and menopause, and provide ten simple home remedies to help alleviate the problem.
Body Odor and Menopause: What's the Link?
Body odor and menopause are closely linked. As women enter menopause, their estrogen levels decrease, and this can lead to an increase in body odor. This is due to a higher ratio of testosterone to estrogen and a rise in cortisol levels.
Changes in the skin microbiome and body chemistry also play a role. Hot flashes, night sweats, and lifestyle changes can all contribute to an increase in sweat, which can lead to more bacteria growth and stronger body odor.
10 Home Remedies for Body Odor During Menopause
Home remedies for managing body odor are a natural and effective way to reduce perspiration as well as unpleasant smells during menopause. These ten remedies use natural ingredients, and they are all safe and easy to find.
1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which helps to eliminate bacteria on the skin. This can help reduce body odor. To use, simply rub a small amount directly onto sweat-prone areas of the body. It can also be used as the last rinse in the shower after diluting it with water.
2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for body odor. Dilute two teaspoons of tea tree oil in two tablespoons of water and apply it to the affected area. You should see a positive improvement by doing this daily.
3. Rock Salt: Rock salt has been used for centuries as a natural deodorant due to its antimicrobial properties. Mix one teaspoon of rock salt with one cup of warm water and apply it using a cotton ball to the affected area. This can be done several times a day for the most effective results.
4. Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that help reduce body odor. Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water overnight. Strain the water, add one teaspoon of honey, and drink it on an empty stomach. Try this once a day for optimal results.
5. Baking Soda: Baking soda is effective at reducing body odor due to its ability to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water and apply it to the area using a cotton ball. This can be done two to three times a day for the most beneficial results.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective remedy for body odor. Dilute one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. To notice a reduction in body odor, try doing this two to three times a day.
7. Tomato Juice: The acidic properties of tomato juice make it an effective remedy for body odor. Take half a cup of tomato juice and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. This can be done two to three times a day for significant results.
8. White vinegar: White vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for body odor. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. This can be done two to three times a day for maximum results.
9. Drink Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that help reduce body odor. Brew one cup of green tea and allow it to cool. Drink one cup of green tea twice a day for effective benefits.
10. Green Tea Bags: Green tea contains tannins that help reduce body odor. Simply steep two bags of green tea in one cup of hot water for five minutes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes and then apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. This can be done twice a day for noticeable improvement.
When to See a Doctor
These ten home remedies are effective at reducing body odor during menopause. However, it is important to note that if the odor persists or becomes unbearable, it would be wise to consult a doctor.
Medical professionals may advise a range of treatments for body odor caused by menopause. These include fans and cooling sprays, cooling pillows, antiperspirants, aluminum chloride, lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.
Prescription Antiperspirants
A doctor or dermatologist may recommend prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, which is absorbed into the skin and decreases the amount a person sweats. Cleansing wipes can also be helpful to provide relief on the go.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes such as wearing breathable fabrics and optimizing your diet can also be helpful. Reduce your consumption of red meat, spices, garlic, onions, sugary foods, and alcohol, as these all emit compounds through the skin that can contribute to odor.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy may be a recommended option to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, which can then reduce sweating and the body odor that comes with it.
Estrogen therapy is the most common form of hormone therapy used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It works by replacing the hormones that decline during this time, and it has been found to be effective in reducing hot flashes.
However, there are potential side effects associated with hormone therapy, such as bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness or enlargement, headaches, mood changes, and nausea.
Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of using this type of therapy with your doctor before making a decision.
Try These Remedies for Yourself!
Try these home remedies if you're going through menopause and are experiencing an unpleasant body odor. Discover for yourself coconut oil's antibacterial properties, and baking soda's amazing capacity to absorb moisture and eliminate odors.
Prepare a soothing cup of green tea for yourself and benefit from its antioxidant properties. Even the tannins in the tea bags can be used as a highly efficient way to lessen body odor.
Speak with your doctor right away if you find that your concern is intolerable. He might recommend a prescription antiperspirant, some additional lifestyle modifications, or even hormone therapy.
Sources and Further Reading
- Menopause Symptoms | Body Odour | My Menopause Centre
Sweat and body odour can be an issue for some women during menopause, especially if they experience hot flushes. Find out more. - How To Get Rid Of Body Odour: Try These Natural Home Remedies Right Now!
How to get rid of body odor home remedies, with some kitchen staples, are enlisted in this article, to ward off foul smells and control sweating. - Menopause & Body Odor | Bonafide
Some women notice changes in their body odor as they approach menopause—this is actually a normal symptom alongside the menopause transition. Learn more about why and what you can do about it.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2023 Louise Fiolek