We’ll just come out and say it: we sweat a LOT during the menopause transition — whether it’s due to a hot flash or just, ya know, everyday life. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, that means *sniff sniff* body odor.
But here’s the thing: it’s not our fault. We’ll say that again: NOT OUR FAULT. Our hormones are totally working against us.
When estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus (aka our body’s thermostat) becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. Thinking it’s overheated, it starts working to cool the body by shunting blood away from the core to the skin. This, in turn, kick-starts a chain of events that causes flushing, sweating, and an internal sensation of heat despite the fact that our body temperature isn’t actually rising. And with excess sweat comes excess bacteria, and with excess bacteria comes an unpleasant odor.
Hot flashes and night sweats aside, declining estrogen and progesterone also means higher levels of testosterone (produced in small amounts by our ovaries) and cortisol (our stress hormone), both of which have been linked to a stronger body odor.
But all hope is not lost! There are things we can do, starting with selecting a high-quality deodorant. Here are our top picks:
1. Lume
Invented by an OB/GYN, Lume is a whole-body deodorant that works for underarms as well as underboobs, and the *down there* external groin region. Unlike other deodorants that help mask odor and sweat, Lume works to stop odor before it starts and is pH optimized to help control smell for 72 hours.
Choose from a wide selection of tubes or more traditional stick deodorants, scented or unscented.
Bonus points for the fact that Lume products are free of aluminum, baking soda, parabens, and phthalates.
2. Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant
Sometimes, you just need the heavy-duty stuff to help protect against stress sweat, heat sweat, AND activity sweat. That’s where long-lasting, clinical strength deodorant from Secret comes into play. Its pH-balancing minerals provide 72-hour sweat protection and won’t stain your shirt. *Cue the happy dance*
3. Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll-On Lavender Deodorant
Elektra Guide, Grace Veras Sealy (who also happens to be in perimenopause herself) has been using this roll-on natural deodorant from Kiss My Face for years, and it hasn’t let her down. The lavender-scented formula is made with mineral salts and doesn’t leave white marks on shirts. Plus, it checks all the “responsibly-made” boxes: vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and aluminum-free.
4. Megababe Rosy Pits
If you’re thinking…hmm, Megababe sounds familiar…it’s probably because it’s been featured everywhere from Allure to Elle, Refinery29 to The Today Show, Business Insider to Glamour. It was even crowned the “Best Deodorant” of 2021 by Byrdie.
So what’s the secret behind this natural, aluminum-free deodorant? Special enzymes and extracts that break down odor and absorb wetness while botanicals work their magic to soothe underarm skin – sans any sticky residue. The dermatologist-approved formula is a great option for those with sensitive skin, too.
5. Love Beauty And Planet
This 96% naturally derived, aluminum-free deodorant stick is doctored up with moisturizing murumuru butter and hand-picked Bulgarian rose extract. Your sweat glands won’t know what hit ‘em.
6. Mitchum Unscented Triple Odor Defense
Yes, this is technically a men’s deodorant. But don’t knock it ‘till you try it…our Head of Clinical Operations Laura Stratte has been using it for years and swears by it. It’s fragrance-free and provides 48-hour odor control from heat, motion, and stress. Mitchum also has a dedicated women’s line, though, if you want to shop around.
Questions about menopause odor and deodorants? We’ve got answers…
What about DIY deodorants? Do they work?
Word on the street is you can make your own deo with coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils. We’ve never given it a whirl ourselves, but if you’re dealing with excessive sweating from hormonal changes and are in the market for strong odor protection, we’d recommend the store-bought stuff.
If I sweat A LOT, will natural ingredients actually work to keep my armpits dry? Do I need prescription strength?
There are certain prescription strength deodorants that don’t actually require a prescription — Certain Dri is probably the most well-known. But if excess sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) is impacting your day-to-day life, it’s best to first talk to your women’s health doc or dermatologist about other potential underlying causes and treatment options.
I heard that spicy food can worsen sweating from hot flashes. Is that true?
Yep, it’s true. Exercise caution when it comes to late-night dinners that bring the heat. They can also, well, bring YOU the heat and cause full-body flushing and sweating.
Can supplements help ease my hot flashes?
Several herbs and supplements have been studied for control of vasomotor symptoms; however, due to the studies’ small sample size and multiple variables, it’s impossible to make definitive claims on their efficacy and safety. That said, the ones with the strongest record to date are soy isoflavones, vitamin B6, black cohosh, Swedish flower pollen, and rhapontic rhubarb.
