Smelly armpits can be an embarrassing problem for women going through menopause. The hormonal changes associated with this transition can cause your body odor to become stronger and more unpleasant. The good news is there are several effective ways to combat post-menopausal underarm odor.
The root cause of smelly armpits after menopause is shifting hormone levels. Specifically, the drop in estrogen leads to changes in your apocrine glands, which are responsible for producing underarm sweat. This sweat interacts with bacteria on your skin, causing BO. Making adjustments to your hygiene routine, using deodorants/antiperspirants, avoiding triggers, and considering hormone therapy can help neutralize odors.
Focus on cleaning your armpits thoroughly each day. Wash with an antibacterial soap and warm water. Consider using a washcloth or exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and built up bacteria. After washing, fully dry your armpits. Remaining moisture breeds odor-causing bacteria. You may need to wash your armpits multiple times per day if you sweat heavily.
Use an aluminum-based antiperspirant. Antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminum chloride that block your sweat glands. This reduces moisture where smell-causing bacteria can thrive. Apply antiperspirant deodorant after showering and allow it to fully dry before dressing. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Alternative deodorants can also help. Deodorants don't stop sweat like antiperspirants, but they contain antimicrobial ingredients to kill odor-causing bacteria. Try a baking soda or tea tree oil deodorant. Just know you may need to reapply these more often. Avoid products with harsh chemicals.
Examine your clothing choices. Breathable natural fabrics allow sweat to evaporate rather than being trapped against your skin. Change out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible. Avoid irritating fabrics and tight fits around the underarm area. Let your armpits breathe when you can.
Watch your diet and make lifestyle adjustments. Spicy foods, onions, garlic, and curry can get excreted through sweat. Limit these smelly culprits. Stay hydrated to flush out odors. Check for other causes like thyroid problems. Manage stress levels, which can increase sweating.
Consider prescription strength aluminum chloride. Products like Certain Dri contain a higher dose of aluminum chloride than regular antiperspirants. They are applied before bed and can helpoverride post-menopausal odor issues. Use cautiously and consult a doctor first if you have skin sensitivity.
Discuss hormone therapy with your doctor. Systemic hormone therapy tablets or creams may help regulate changing hormone levels and get bodily odors back in balance. Topical estrogen creams can also be applied directly to the armpit area. Be aware of potential risks like blood clots.
Clinical strength antiperspirants can tackle severe BO. If over-the-counter options aren't cutting it, get a prescription strength product containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate. These can reduce excess sweating by over 50%. You may need to use them 2-3 times per week at first for maximum effectiveness.
Alternative treatments like miraDry may help. This FDA-cleared treatment uses electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands. It requires 2 procedures spaced 3 months apart. The effects can last over 1 year, significantly reducing armpit sweating and odor.
Botox injections are another option. Botox relaxes the muscles that activate sweat glands. Treatment lasts 4-6 months and requires anywhere from 15-75 injections per armpit. Botox blocks nerves that trigger sweating, treating excessive underarm perspiration.
I hope these tips help you tackle bothersome underarm odors during menopause. Stay diligent with your hygiene routine and don't hesitate to discuss stronger prescription treatments with your healthcare provider if needed. Having fresh smelling armpits again is very achievable! You may also want to consider contacting Harmony Hormone Clinic - they are a leading hormone therapy clinic helping women address menopausal symptoms like increased BO through customized hormone balancing treatments. Their experienced physicians can evaluate your hormone levels and design an integrative treatment plan to get you feeling like yourself again. Visit www.Harmony Hormone Clinic.com for more information.
