Sis, This is a Safe Space: Let’s Talk About Perimenopause and Body Odor
More than a few women of a certain age have spoken in hushed tones about…the moment. You know the one. When you’re minding your business, living your best life, and then…*sniff* *sniff*… what in the teenage locker room is going on?! Girl. Perimenopause is wreaking havoc on your body odor.
Why is This Happening?!
Blame hormones. (‘Cause, isn’t that the answer for most things after 40?) As we enter perimenopause, estrogen levels start doing the cha-cha slide—sometimes up, sometimes down, always unpredictable. This hormonal fluctuation affects everything from our skin to our mood to, yes, our body chemistry.
And when your body chemistry changes, so does the way you sweat and smell. Some women notice a stronger underarm odor, others experience a change in their natural scent, and some are suddenly producing a funk that is straight-up unrecognizable. Add in the fact that perimenopause often brings more night sweats and hot flashes, and you’ve got the perfect storm for new (and unexpected) aromas.
What You Can Do About It
First, take a deep breath (away from your armpits). You are not alone, and this is totally normal. Second, let’s talk about solutions because you do have options:
- Upgrade Your Deodorant Game – If your old faithful isn’t cutting it anymore, consider trying a clinical-strength deodorant or switching to a natural option with baking soda, magnesium, or activated charcoal.
- Shower Like You Mean It – Antibacterial soap (Hibiclens is a good one), an exfoliating cloth, and making sure you’re fully dry before dressing can make a huge difference.
- Hydrate & Eat Clean – Certain foods (like garlic and alcohol) can make body odor stronger, while drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and regulate your system.
- Dress Smart – Breathable fabrics like cotton and moisture-wicking materials help keep sweat (and the resulting odor) in check.
But here’s the real MVP of the body odor battle: witch hazel.
Witch Hazel: The Secret Weapon You Already Own
Witch hazel is probably already hanging out in your bathroom cabinet, quietly waiting for its moment to shine. And that moment is now.
This natural astringent helps kill odor-causing bacteria, balance your skin’s pH, and reduce excessive sweating—all without harsh chemicals or irritation. (Personally, I like Dickinson’s. It’s 100% natural ).
How to Use It:
- After your shower, pat your underarms completely dry.
- Soak a cotton pad with witch hazel and swipe it over your underarms (or any other odor-prone areas).
- Let it dry for a few seconds before applying deodorant.
That’s it! Many women swear by this as a game-changer, and you just might be one of them.
Embrace the Shift
Look, perimenopause may come with some surprises, but it’s also a new chapter full of wisdom, confidence, and grown woman energy. Your body is changing, but you’re still that girl. And now, you’re that girl who knows how to keep it fresh. If this post made you laugh, nod in agreement, or sprint to your bathroom to check for witch hazel—share it with your girls!
Got any other tips or tricks? Drop them in the comments!
Have a question or collaboration request? Get in touch.
This website contains links to affiliate websites. When you click on and/or make a purchase through an affiliate link on this website, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Use of affiliate links does not influence the products, services and websites that we share with you. This notification applies to all of the various means we use to communicate with you, including via this website, email, phone, social media, our products or otherwise.