ask: Do women smell different after menopause?

In a word, Yes! I have definitely noticed what you have.

I would love to read that article as well. Did it suggest why, or offer insight?

I thought I was the only one too! I didn't notice this change in perimenopause, but once I was through menopause itself I noticed a definite change. And it seemed that I needed to take twice as many showers as I had before.

Turns out that hormonal changes that occur both during puberty and around menopause affect the sweat glands in the armpits and groin area and can create real body odor problems. Some women change anti-perspirants; others avoid synthentic fabrics (natural fabrics allow the body to "breathe" more; still others change their diets, adding pro-biotic yogurt or eliminating fried or spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine in attempts to help this problem.

Our falling levels of estrogen appear to be a primary culprit. Estrogen helps regulate the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature; when estrogen levels drop, the hypothalamus gets the wrong message and heats the body inappropriately -- as in hot flashes or night sweats. Even when this happens to a small degree, that extra moisture has an effect.

This is where anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that isn't in contact with oxygen) come into the picture. They apparently flourish in the bodies of those of us who are menopausal, and are odor-creating champions when they present themselves to the outside world, through sweat or our breath. As the body rids itself of waste products (toxins), it can give off odors; imbalances in hormones or metabolism can result in those odors being even stronger. Here's a good explanation of how this takes place:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sweating-and-body-odor/DS00305/DSECTION...

Sweat itself has no smell. Looks like we need to work on the bacteria to make a real difference.

Go Ask Alice, a website run by Columbia University, offers these tips to combat menopausal body odor:

--Shower daily with deodorant soap that has antibacterial properties
--Use deodorant or deodorant/antiperspirant daily
--Wear cotton and other "breathable" fabrics. Some synthetic fabrics used in workout clothing is also "breathable" because it wicks sweat away from your skin.
--Eat a balanced diet with plenty of veggies and whole grains, and limited sweets
--Cut tobacco out of your life
--Take chlorophyll or wheat grass supplements (natural body deodorizers) with meals
--Add magnesium or zinc through vitamins or a balanced diet
--Chew on parsley, alfalfa, or other leafy greens after means to help neutralize strong scents
--Apply witch hazel, or white or apple cider vinegar to your underarms (which change the pH of the skin so that bacteria can't grow)
--Dust perpetually sweaty areas with corn starch to reduce wetness
--Apply diluted rosemary or tea tree oil to the underarms for extra deodorizing action

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3645.html

There are some other problems that can cause overactive body odor: an infection, a thyroid that's not functioning properly, or diabetes, for example. So don't forget to mention this to your doctor; she or he may want to be sure there's nothing larger going on.

Tell Us
Is this affecting your life as well? Are you menopausal, and how long have you noticed it? Have you found something that helps?

Oh yes you do look different! Your skin changes, hips get wider,every part of your body changes. I have learned water is my friend. Drink lots of it to help your skin. Walk, alot, because your joints will hurt. Keep moving, good food, less food is needed. Keep a smile on your face. It will help when you have a hot flash. Make a joke about it because people don't understand. Remember to be good to yourself and others. Take time to smell the roses. It will be over in, oh.....5 to 10 years. I am 3 almost 4 years into it. It is gettingh better.

Yes, I am actually very perplexed by what is going on with my skin smell. I am 49 and have been having many menopausal symptoms for the past 6-12 months. One of the most aggravting is that the smell of my skin seems to have changed and I can't seem to find any significant resources or examples from others. It's not necessarily a bad smell, just different and annoying. I would like to find information on this symptom and any recommended solutions.

My wife has that old woman smell. Its hormonal and part of the change. Hygeine is important. I tried to talk to my wife about it and she went ballistic. Nonetheless, a number of things change with menopause, I know so, I'm still married halfway through the hell years.

I do know that everything changes as we get older. I have been in menopause for 4 long years. I first noticed mood changes and hot flashes. I hate anything around my neck. My hips have gotten wider. My breast larger. My sex drive down the toilet. My eyes have changed. I smell different. I look at life different. I enjoy things more. Take more time. Menopause has forced me to look at myself and do things different. Take care of myself. I walk,read, exercise, and spend time with my family more. I enjoy things more. I have learned to welcome the changes that are happening to my body. I am not a 20 year old and can't do what she can. Nor do I want to. I am a happy 51 year old woman, with lots to live for and give. I would tell anyone who is going through menopause, to relax,learn how your body works now. Respect the changes. And enjoy the ride!

There are different levels at which different women are affected. From barely noticable to your life changing quite drastically from what it has been in the past. OK, change is one thing but drastically is another. I don't even recognize myself anymore, not just physically but I'm just not me anymore! I am older & wiser & loving that, but I don't like how I've lost interest in things I used to love, energy level - gone, just when I figured out how to get organized & the importance of it, I have to force myself do those things. I was happily doing these things when suddenly I completely stopped. I used to be an excellent house keeper, filed important documents, paid bills, took care of things properly, even took care of myself. Now, these things that used to be simply a daily part of life have become like a mountain to climb, a high one. This just isn't me or if it is now I am very unhappy with it & I try hard to change it but can't seem to. I am so miserable & frustrated. I've always been a happy person & I still want to be. I've just turned 53 & I have 2 grown children & 4 beautiful grandchildren & I want to make wonderful memories with them. Also the man in my life for the past 20 years is sudenly mistified that sex is a thing of the past. Not interested, it is not the same-it just isn't, which makes me sad but it is like you are not in control anymore. It is bigger than me & I can't seem to overcome it no matter how hard I try. I keep hoping it will pass in time.