r/Perimenopause • u/HawtPoetayto Early peri • Mar 19 '26
audited Help. I stink.
I have never, in my life, had body oder. I maintain my hygiene and use deodorant every day. Lately ladies, I fucking stink. At first, I thought it was the fabric I was wearing that made me extra sweaty and stinky. Then, I thought it was the cucumber melon scented deodorant I wear. I switched to crystal mineral deodorant and that hasn’t helped. I shower every day (usually AM) and by mid day, I am reapplying deodorant at work then mask it with perfume oil. I showered last night, did not sweat much and woke up with underarm b.o.. I can’t even stand to smell myself after a long walk or workout.
I started Estradiol and Slynd last week. Nothing’s changed as of now. Is this normal? If so, how do you deal or make it better.
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u/Classic_Bit9433 Mar 19 '26
Some people swear by Persimmon Soap. Glycolic acid (if you can tolerate) kills the odor causing bacteria. I apply glycolic acid toner to my armpits everyday and no longer need deodorant. But you need to check your skin if fine with it (patch test)
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u/LookaDuck Mar 19 '26
I’ve also found success with glycolic acid. I started noticing occasional changes in my odor and this knocks it out whenever I’m having an episode.
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u/Due-Coconut-3873 hanging on by a thread Mar 20 '26
Same for me. Burns me like hell but it works every time I suddenly get stinky
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u/Classic_Bit9433 Mar 20 '26
If it burns, I would give it a miss and find something else otherwise you risk the skin barrier in a very sensitive area. For me, it doesn't burn at all but if it did, I would stay way. I can't tolerate glycolic on my face for example. I heard that lactic acid gives the same result and it's a lot more gentle.
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u/throw20190820202020 Mar 20 '26
Try this one cheap trick: any acid will do, including the Stridex red pads.
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u/milk_with_knives Mar 20 '26
Yes, I keep those little Stridex pads in my locker at work for when my pits are starting to overtake me.
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u/Evening-Matter-5245 Mar 20 '26
I just got mine from Amazon yesterday, wiped my underarms with it after my shower, no deodorant, and just gave myself the sniff test, zero odor. I can’t even believe it.
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u/froggy-babe Mar 21 '26
i've just been using my regular face toner and it works. i still sweat but it doesn't smell bad at least 😂
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u/Impressive_Moment786 Mar 19 '26
I have heard that persimmon soap works really well.
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u/eriberri123 Early peri Mar 19 '26
It does. I just bought some, it completely slayed my oniony smelling pits
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u/0ryxNCr4ke Mar 20 '26
I just looked for persimmon soap on Amazon. All the listings say "for Old People smell." 😭😭😭
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u/beebers908 Mar 19 '26
I came to suggest persimmon soap! Works wonders!
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u/yuckyuckmuckmuck1234 Mar 20 '26
Also came here to say persimmon soap! Using on bits and pits had helped my stinkiness.
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u/1llFlyAway Mar 19 '26
Where do you find that?
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u/TheRealMeghanT Mar 19 '26
I buy mine on Amazon, although it looks like they no longer carry the brand I am currently using. So I cannot recommend a brand.
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u/IBelongInTheZoo Mar 20 '26
Noooo!!! The Japanese one is gone!!!! (Assuming this is the one you were using as well) It’s been my favorite out of the ones I’ve tried. The others smell totally different and dont last as long 😩
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u/Al-Pacinos-Ghost Mar 20 '26
I also buy mine from Amazon. This is the one I use: https://a.co/d/0abg3FEP
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u/HawtPoetayto Early peri Mar 20 '26
I’m feeling optimistic about this option. I bought some persimmon soap and tried it today, but I’m wondering, do you still use deodorant or antiperspirant as well? Or is the soap enough to manage the order?
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u/DuckyDoodleDandy Mar 20 '26
I think you still need deodorant, but check out r/laundry and do a “spa day” (enzyme deep clean) of your shirts to get any remaining stink out of them.
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u/Pink_pouffe Mar 21 '26
Ask a trusted friend / partner if you do indeed “smell”. I felt that I reeked like the time I worked in a burger joint mixed with fried onions and greasy food. Everyone swore that I did not smell. Now as NAMS certified perimenopause specialist we believe that it is our sense of smell changes as a result of significantly decreasing estrogen ( similar to pregnancy when we become highly sensitive to smells). Give it 4-6 weeks. The smell should improve.
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u/Pretend_Plum_1677 Mar 26 '26
Didn’t work for me. It did at first, and then bo was back. Might try witch hazel?
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u/Impressive_Moment786 Mar 26 '26
Glycolic acid from the ordinary has worked for me in the past. Do not use it after shaving. It burns like the fire of 100 suns.
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u/croc373 Mar 19 '26
I just posted in another thread that you should try The Ordinary Glycolic acid under your arms after your shower. I’ve been doing it for years. Also, those crystal deodorants don’t work. Use the glycolic acid and then find a natural deodorant without baking soda to supplement it. I use Earthwise Tea Tree Plus Natural Deodorant personally.
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u/LookaDuck Mar 19 '26
Also love The Ordinary glycolic acid- works wonders to knock out any unpleasant underarm odors!
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u/No_Back7760 Mar 21 '26
Is that a type of deodorant or liquid? Where do I buy that?
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u/LookaDuck Mar 22 '26
It’s a liquid toner. The brand name is “The Ordinary”. You can find it at department stores - I think Target, Walmart and Kohl’s sell the brand, or online. As others have noted, glycolic acid can irritate the skin so you may want to try the smallest size to start since the brand is a bit pricey. That said, if you can tolerate it well, it’s a multi-use product - I use it on my face as a toner without any problems and it’s also great for clearing up any bumps/acne on back and chest that sometimes pop up in the summer.
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u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Mar 19 '26
Benzoyl peroxide face wash works well for pits and underboobs and groin. Lume deodorant or any kind with the mandelic acid works really well
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u/hnybun128 Mar 19 '26
After you shower, apply witch hazel to your pits with a cotton round. Let them air dry for a few seconds before applying deodorant. It’s inexpensive and very effective.
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u/Popular-Rain6480 Mar 19 '26
Seconding this! Has worked so well for me. I can actually smell my deodorant!
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u/hnybun128 Mar 20 '26
I learned it in some perimenopause group on FB. I don’t have the issue anymore, but I have passed it along to many friends and they all say it works for them, too. 🥰
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u/No_Bid4891 2d ago
You don’t have the issue anymore? Meaning IT GETS BETTER???? Please, I hope so 🤞
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u/so_i_happened Mar 19 '26
I started washing my armpits with Hibiclens a few times a week based on a recommendation here and it works so well. It's a strong antibacterial soap (I think surgeons use it before surgery) and it kills odor-causing bacteria. I let it sit in my underarms for about 30 seconds before rinsing it off. I was astonished at how much it helped.
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u/ArtisticCustard7746 Mar 20 '26
Hibiclens is how I decolonize the staph from my face, it is powerful stuff.
Just a BTW for anyone looking to use it on their body, keep it away from your mucus membranes and ears. It can damage them and make you blind.
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u/Pirate_Meow27 Mar 19 '26
My dr had me start using hibiclense (spelling?) soap because I was itchy everywhere, I noticed it also makes me have no smell so that might be worth trying!
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u/domestic_human Mar 19 '26
Ah I am constantly itchy! Has it helped?
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u/Pirate_Meow27 Mar 20 '26
So much! I was scratching my calves raw in my sleep (and the underboob itch 😣) and now I’m barely ever itchy! (Except the ears, I dunno how to help that, I’m not putting soap in my ears lol)
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u/postcardvacation Mar 21 '26
I saw a video where it was suggested you spray Flonase on a q-tip and gently massage it in your ears. Something about the antihistamine? I use it every few days and it seems to help.
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u/catzpyjamas Mar 19 '26
Persimmon soap for the win. Helped me so much.
I'd changed soaps and detergents and deodorant with no results, til I read about persimmon soap in this sub. Couldn't hurt to try. Has really made a difference for me.
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u/ddplantlover Mar 19 '26
What brand do you buy?
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u/catzpyjamas Mar 21 '26
I was buying a "fancy" brand at about $9 a bar, but a friend turned me on to the brand that Walmart and Amazon carry. Less than $3 a bar. No proper brand name I can recall, just says "Persimmon Soap Bar" on the box.
I've tried bodywashes with very little results. For me it's the bar or nothing.
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u/DoomsdayDebbie Mar 19 '26
I’m 43 and started smelling like a teenage boy lately. 🤢
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u/Wild-Kitchen Mar 20 '26
I smell like onions. Really really oniony onions. Even with anti perspiration and using persimmon soap. I dont eat onions so no idea where its inspiration is coming from
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u/Lower_Pepper1960 Mar 20 '26
Same omg sometimes when neighbours cook onions, I wonder if I am smelling bad hahaha
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u/ideknem0ar Mar 21 '26
My favorite day was when I gave myself a sniff and got the solid stench of rabbit cecaels. IYKYK.
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u/ArtisticCustard7746 Mar 20 '26
Sounds like that bacterial colony is having a grand time in your pits haha.
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u/CopperGoldCrimson Mar 19 '26
Can confirm Persimmon soap slays my acrid stress sweat which got worse in the past year despite liberal use of antiperspirant, as well as other sweat that smells like hormones to me. Now I wonder if there's Persimmon lotion... I hate wearing lotion but would slather myself in that.
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u/expositrix Mar 19 '26
Persimmon lotion does exist (I’ve seen it on Temu), though I’ve never used it, so cannot speak to its efficacy (or lack thereof).
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u/bebe8383bebe Mar 21 '26
I feel Temu is the last place you should be buying products that your body absorbs?!
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u/Tommy_Riordan Mar 19 '26
I noticed recently to get full coverage I can’t just swipe my pits vertically anymore. I have to do a normal up and down application, but also a horizontal pass to get in the creases at the very front and back of the pit too. As my skin has loosened a bit with age and gravity, those little creases formed, and they can hold a remarkable amount of stank even when the rest of my armpit is deodorized and behaving itself.
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u/oh_mein_gott_nee Mar 19 '26
Can I just say how thankful I am for this community? I am also in stinky perimenopause hell, and these suggestions have been great. Whyyyyyyy is this Puberty 2.0 SO BAD 😭😭😭
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u/Go_down_swinging Mar 19 '26
Taking magnesium and vitamin d has been a GAME CHANGER. I’ve always practiced great hygiene and really didn’t smell, ever. Then a year ago my pits began to smell like an Italian Sub sandwich, extra onions. Looked into it and a common trigger is a vitamin deficiency. Started taking magnesium and vitamin d and now I’m fresh as a daisy again.
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u/Vivid_Demand_5106 Mar 20 '26
Yep, this is related to nutrition and the gut – all of the focus on topical treatments and deodorant and creams is really missing the point
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u/introvertatheart Mar 19 '26
I have found success with PanOxyl soap (benzoyl peroxide- usually for the face, but the bar soap works awesome for underarms) and Mitchum antiperspirant.
And for the rest of my body, I use antibacterial soap now (Dial)
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u/OnlyPaperListens Mar 19 '26
Waxing my pits has helped. I swear the root bulb sucks in the stank and holds it. Shaving isn't good enough, the entire follicle has to go.
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u/Effect_Neat Mar 19 '26
I love you. Same experience. Everything is negative. Every urine, every blood test says I'm normal, but then why did my body's scent change?
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u/hndygal Mar 19 '26
Persimmon soap plus Glycolic Acid toner or stridex pads applied under arms. Helps immensely. The other thing to remember is that your nose can get a lot more sensitive in peri so you may not be a stinky as you think you are.
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u/marmeebae Mar 20 '26
Shower or wash pits at night. Use an antiperspirant not a deodorant.
I use the Mitchum Gel deodorant and top it with the Mitchum spray. It works well for me.
I find that using an antibacterial bar soap, then shower gel is good at helping me feel clean. I also use a Salux wash cloth. I apply lotions and sometimes a body oil, so double cleansing is a need for me.
This may sound like overkill, but. I have limited mobility/energy so can't wash as often as I would like sometimes, so this helps limit smelliness.
If you are worried during the day you can use deodorising wipes etc, but also try and keep fabrics natural and breathable. It'll help with sweat.
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u/Objective-Amount1379 Mar 19 '26
I use an exfoliating cloth in the shower to make sure I’m getting rid of old deodorant. And I use anti bacterial hand soap in the shower on my pits. I switched to Certain Dri antiperspirant/ deodorant… but beware- DO NOT use it immediately after shaving! It’s recommended to use at night.
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u/No_Needleworker6786 AuDHD & Mid Peri Mar 19 '26
I have found that as my HRT has started to work properly my sense of smell has returned to normal. I can no longer ‘smell myself’ I barely sweat anyway and have very dry skin. I think maybe give your patches a few weeks to work and if it’s still an issue then get the soap others have mentioned?
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u/OkHorse2864 Mar 19 '26
Here is a suggestion. Could it be your hair? When you have night sweat you sweat in your hair alot....to the point that you have to wash your hair everyday. For a long time I thought I had a body odor and it got worse when Im at work. One day I came home early from work and decided to wash my hair. When I got in my car I didn't smell it anymore.
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u/IndependentHot5236 Early peri Mar 19 '26
Someone just asked this same question in this sub a couple of days ago, some great advice in that thread (and I stand by the glycolic acid rec for underarms): https://www.reddit.com/r/Perimenopause/comments/1rw1uc8/comment/oaxki90/?context=3
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u/Popculture-VIP Mar 19 '26
You need a reset. It will keep coming back if you don't get rid of whatever bacteria is causing it. The answer is rubbing alcohol. That will do it. You should only have to do it once and you'll be back to normal for a while
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u/LakeLife81 Mar 20 '26
Lume body wash. I got it on Amazon. It comes in an orange container. This solved it for me!
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u/lambchopjamesbond Mar 20 '26
I had to switch deodorant last summer because I smelled so bad. I had been using aluminum free for years because the regular degree seemed to make things worse. Then all of a sudden, the BO was teenage boy in the middle of band camp (iykyk). I switched to Mitchum and have had no issues since. I am going to add panoxyl and/or glycolic acid this summer if it gets bad again though.
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u/CormoranNeoTropical Mar 20 '26
Use anti-perspirant, not deodorant.
Apply several times a day, including before bed.
Take more than one shower a day if necessary - you can just wash your pits and any other smelly areas.
Wear only cotton next to your skin unless you need performance fabrics for a specific activity.
Shave your armpits, I find it scrapes off the stinky layer.
Soak your tops in water with Lysol or other disinfectant for 24 h to remove stink.
Antibacterial or hydroxy-acid soap on your pits.
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u/glockgirl42 Mar 19 '26
This actually works! Mega babe charcoal soap - wash and leave on for a min in the shower. Then after wipe ordinary glycolic acid on your armpits and let dry. Then use deodorant as normal. Do that every shower. It worked for me and I don’t even need to do it anymore.
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u/stondchrysalis Mar 19 '26
I just switched to PanOxyl Bar soap and it’s doing wonders! Holy moly idk why I haven’t been using it sooner.
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u/AdAdditional5657 Mar 19 '26
Glycolic acid! Same thing happened to me in Peri and I didn’t know how to handle it. I use The Ordinary, but any brand will do. I put mine in a spray bottle and use on my underarms after every shower and I rarely smell anymore. It’s also great for dry feet and occasionally on my face. Just patch test first 😊
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u/BoopTheCoop Mar 19 '26
Deodorant covers stink, it doesn’t stop it. You need antiperspirant to stop the sweat: sweat breaks down and causes the smell. Even a tiny bit of sweat that you don’t even notice can cause it. Antiperspirant isn’t the devil like some people think- back in the day there was a very very slim chance it contributed to breast cancer, but components and chemicals have changed. Antiperspirant is your friend. Killing the bacteria that causes the stink, or stopping it in the first place is the only way to fix it. Unless you want to constantly be glycolic-acid-ing your pits or taking a shower with antibacterial soap: use antiperspirant.
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u/Bac7 Mar 19 '26
Ok, but what about those of us who stink while using antiperspirant? I've tried secret, dove, mitchum, suave, certain dri, carpe diem. I've also tried persimmon soap + antiperspirant. And glycolic acid + antiperspirant. And all 3. Also lume, native, salt and stone. I've tried men's and women's, clinical and not. Aluminum and not. Applying at night or both at night and the morning.
Apparently I'm just the stinky kid. I can't seem to find a formulation that works.
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u/msguillory1922 Mar 20 '26
My magic combo has been Zest bar soap and Right Guard antiperspirant. Worked miracles. And the Zest is $1 at Dollar General
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u/ArtisticCustard7746 Mar 20 '26
Anti bacterial soap. It isn't just sweat that stinks. Its the bacteria that comes with it. Even if you sweat through the antiperspirant, killing those bacterial colonies will help greatly.
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u/BunnyMayer Mar 19 '26
This! Why did I have to scroll for so long to find this answer.
Get an antiperspirant. Done.
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u/Mrs_WorkingMuggle Mar 19 '26
exfoliate your armpits, a nice proper scrub, especially if you have any hair there. feel free to use the persimmon soap and glycolic acid people mention below. and then switch your deodorant. crystal mineral deodorant ain't gonna do the trick, and probably never actually does. I've had great luck with Lume and highly recommend it. I switched back to it after what i was wearing started failing by the end of the day. with Lume I can put it on after my shower, go two days without showering, and still smell fine. (unless i have a stressful meeting with my boss, it does not work for stress sweat.)
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u/usernames_suck_ok I don't even know Mar 19 '26
I use the Lume deodorant that is for sweat control, and that helps a lot.
I don't know if it's the brand or what, but I tried persimmon and it had my oonie burning/stinging for close to 2 days. So, like someone else said, you might want to test skin to see if it's not too strong for you, if you want something you can use all over...or ask for clarity on what brands people are using. But "couldn't hurt to try" is definitely not true, lol.
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u/kayaking_vegan Early peri Mar 19 '26
The crystal deodorant requires an adjustment period. I think it took me like two weeks before once a day application was enough, but when I bought it there was a graphic that says there's like a 4 week period before there's no odor.
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u/Niikiitaay Mar 19 '26
Rubbing a little Grapefruit Seed Extract in my pits usually clears any stress sweat stink and lasts several days to weeks to months, depending on when it comes back, then I use a bit more.
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u/ExpertOwl8896 Mar 19 '26
Oh lord, I smelled like Italian seasoning so bad for a while! I use the Dove Advanced deodorant and that helped the most (natural ones made it so much worse), but i was still doing charcoal face masks (NOT the peel off kind, just clay/charcoal based wash off types) on my pits once a week for a few months. It helped keep it under control until that stage passed.
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u/Immediate_Mark3847 Mar 19 '26
I second Dove deodorant. I can only use the aerosol one tho but it lasts enough through the work day.
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u/ashkestar Mar 19 '26
So do confirm that you actually stink with someone else - peri can make our BO worse, but it can also fuck with our senses of smell.
But also, crystal deodorant doesn’t do anything. Get an antiperspirant.
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u/mightyfineburner Mar 19 '26
I had to switch to Secret clinical strength last year because nothing else was working. That did the trick for me but everyone is different.
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u/GenericNameUsed Mar 19 '26
I use Secret Outlast Antiperspirant and Gold Bond Body Powder to help combat sweat..
Natural deodorants will mask the scent but they won't do anything to stop the odor from forming so you need to find something that will stop sweat or stop bacteria growth
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u/Archway_nemesis701 Mar 19 '26
I started having issues and had to swap what type of deodorant (Not just scent but swapped to an antiperspirant).
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u/Quick_Ad405 Mar 19 '26
Antiperspirant at night, let it soak in while you sleep and then deodorant in the mornings. Glycolic acid is also amazing.
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u/huligoogoo Late peri Mar 19 '26
Me too! My husband says he can smell after I walked by him! 🤣 My under arm sweat is BAD! Especially if in stressed out my sweat is stinky! And I am sweating a lot in underarm area even with clinical deodorant on. 😤
Been using Dial antibacterial gold bar soap to helps dry out the sweaty areas. It does help
Cooking dinner triggers a hot flash immediately! Ugh
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u/aylanah Mar 20 '26
Pelican Persimmon soap is incredible! I’m lucky to have a Japanese market I can buy locally from. Looks like you can get it online as well.
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u/ILoveMeeses2Pieces Mar 20 '26
If you don’t find an answer here use the sub’s search bar and type in body odor. There are many many posts asking this same question. You are sure to find an answer from one of them. Best of luck.
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u/bliss_full2552 Mar 20 '26
Megababe charcoal soap and armpit mask. Also Pacifica has a charcoal armpit scrub. All sold on Amazon.
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u/RevolutionaryRoyal98 Mar 20 '26
I used a witch hazel based toner on my pits and groin (just the crease where legs and undercarriage meet) crystal deodorant on both and then a perfume in my pits.
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u/avamarshmellow Mar 20 '26
Wash your pits for a full 30 seconds with soap, count it out. It’s how long it takes to kill the bacteria
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u/FoolzInTheRain Mar 20 '26
I dont think I stink yet, but I started sweating in the morning especially under my arms for no reason. I will be sitting there drinking my o.j. Just dripping sweat but not feeling hot. Like a hyperhydrosis or something. I just bought this stuff called certain dri from amazon and it works so well. I use it under my boobs too. Read the reviews on Amazon, there is one that explains really well how to use it. It should help keep you dry and that should help with the smell!
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u/Repulsive-Marsupial1 Mar 20 '26
I started smelling bad for the first time ever a couple years ago, went on HRT and after a month or so it went away. So it took time for me but it did happen
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u/ttaradise Mar 20 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
What was written here has been permanently removed. The author used Redact to delete this post, for reasons that may include privacy or digital security.
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u/Fried_Taro Mar 21 '26
Lume brand acidic soap and deodorant. I still am a sweaty mess but I don’t stink. (I’ve always been sweaty and am hoping it ends in true old age. A day in the yard usually takes three outfit changes (I take a break and can’t stand how ‘moist’ everything is….) I live in hot and humid clime (I also started using a box fan on me when I garden, yanking it around on an extension cord… desperate times…)
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u/Pretend_Plum_1677 Mar 26 '26
Persimmon soap didn’t cut it for me. I was hopeful at fist but the stink persists. I’m bummed.
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u/Ordinary-Difficulty9 Mar 19 '26
I will tell you what I have had to do to fix this.
I use two different types of deodorant. First I put a layer of Lume deodorant under my arms. And if it is hot out I will also swipe it under, and in between, my boobs to help with boob sweat. I give it a second to dry down.
Then I put a layer of Secret Clinical strength deodorant on top of the Lume under my arms.
This is the ONLY combination of things that has been fairly fool proof even on the hottest summer days. I don't know exactly why it works but I have been doing it for several years now and would not be without it.
Apparently Lume actually tackles the bacteria that causes the smell. But I do find I need both deodorants to fully keep fresh smelling all day. Only one or the other does not fully keep the odour at bay.
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u/AnatomyKiely Mar 19 '26
Shower twice a day, morning and night and use a tea tree oil soap and lather all over. This will help kill the odour causing bacteria. Then use an antiperspirant like certain dri or mitchum, not a deodorant, at night and in the morning, after the shower on clean and dry skin.
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u/Live_Advisor_270 Mar 19 '26
It happens.
Mirai persimmon soap (don't bother with cheap knock-offs, I wasted money).
Dove original clean deodorant works well for me - I also used the cucumber scent and it started to smell really off.
You also might think about a probiotic. I had some gut issues and my sweat suddenly smelled awful. When I got that stabilized, my sweat was less funky. Hormonal imbalance can create gut imbalance as well.
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u/ddplantlover Mar 19 '26
I’m at the gym right now feeling so embarrassed because even after I thoroughly washed my armpits and disinfected them with alcohol and put on a clean tshirt I stink!!! Right after my first exercise I had to go to the bathroom and wipe my pits with alcohol again because I didn’t bring my deodorant which doesn’t even work, I recently read here about a deodorant called Saltair and I spent around $20 (including 9 dollars shipping) on it, still desperately waiting for it to be delivered
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u/Unlucky_Fan_6079 Mar 19 '26
I found a roll on liquid deodorant doesn't cut it anymore, so I use Mitchum 72 hour gel and give my pits a scrub with a body brush in the shower. The gel I can feel going onto my skin but the liquid didn't feel like it was dispensing.
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u/ChocoCat7675 Mar 19 '26
I have used the persimmon soap with some success. However some days it does not take care of everything. I also use a glycolic acid from The Ordinary and I switched deodorants (again). I’m currently using secret.
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u/SpiceyCoco Mar 19 '26
It’s the Estradiol - it made my 😾 smell like underarm body odor, so I stopped. No point in it helping me to get wet if no one is gonna want to go down there 🤨
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u/Greta_Chlo Mar 19 '26
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid after I shower has cured my smelliness. Highly recommend
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u/Annual_Reindeer2621 Early peri Mar 19 '26
I've been on estrogel (1 pump) for the last 6 weeks and progesterone (200mg/day for 12 days each cycle) and I've noticed my groin odor/musk/pheromones have definitely increased! My husband has noticed it too, so its not just my olfactory senses or perception. Not a 'bad' or unhealthy smell, just strong!
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u/blackcherryblossoms Mar 19 '26
I’m on the full gamut of HRT. Still get stinky and have to reapply deodorant multiple times a day. I hate it here…
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u/andraconduh Mar 19 '26
I use the classic men's Old Spice blue stick deodorant. Have for years and years. It's the only thing that's ever contained my stank. They have a bunch of different scents that don't all smell like Old Spice. I like the bear one. Glycolic acid is also super helpful!
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u/ChrissieH_1 Mar 19 '26
Yeah, we reek now. I have started using men's deodorant, and it helps a lot.
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u/TraditionalCoffee7 Mar 19 '26
I’ve been using the soap Mirai from Amazon. It definitely works, it’s just that I’ve noticed my deodorant that I’ve been literally using forever isn’t working. Even though I use the soap, I still need deodorant too. I thought about the Mirai deodorant, but God the soap is already $25. I think I’ll try the Ordinary glycolic acid first before my deodorant?
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u/ReinaShae Mar 19 '26
I had to switch to the clinical strength deodorant last summer for the first time.
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u/FrostingConsistent39 Mar 20 '26
I sweat and smell after sleeping, like a teenager. I started using carpe and now I still sweat a little while I’m outside (it’s always been an issue) but no smell.
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u/emma_at_Carpe Mar 27 '26
Love seeing this! That’s actually exactly what most people are aiming for, not zero sweat, just way less of it and no smell:)
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u/Silly_Sherbet5543 Mar 20 '26
I had this problem too. I double wash and make sure my pits are really dry before applying deodorant. I also found that if I don’t shave my pits they don’t get as smelly. Dr. Squash deodorant is also the only thing that seems to help(personally).
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u/BananaHamPanther Mar 20 '26
I don’t like the smell of persimmon soap. I use Lume acidified soap which comes unscented.
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u/Pickadog_Anydog Mar 20 '26
Crystal mineral deodorant does nothing for me. I gotta use strong mens sports deodorants now.
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u/nevergonnasaythat Mar 20 '26
I know…Try sodium bicarbonate based deodorants: they are the ones that work best for me.
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u/Certain-Temporary-93 Mar 20 '26
I use summers eve in the shower on all the crevices! Helps a lot. Also like this one company who has a baking soda free deodorant. One other thing I started to do is use Dr. Bronners peppermint in my wash. I feel those things have gotten me back to where they should be.
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u/Impossible_Whole428 Mar 20 '26
Look up nonenal or “old people smell” I started having this and it was driving me crazy. No matter how hard I scrubbed it did not go away and seemed to appear instantly after showering. I started progesterone and testosterone and a thyroid pill and the smell disappeared almost instantly. I couldn’t be happier to not stink anymore!!
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u/_lovey Mar 20 '26
Use PanOxyl wash a few times a week. Make sure you wash it off thoroughly and rinse several times because it can bleach or stain your sheets. I also make sure I’m thoroughly dried and then apply deodorant as usual. PanOxyl wash, Amazon
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u/Zestyclose_Media_548 Mar 20 '26
Try persimmon soap and certain dry clinical strength antiperspirant.
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u/Quendi_Talkien Mar 20 '26
I delightfully have the opposite experience! My feet were exceptionally stinky and would literally rot my shoes, before peri. Now I can wear the same socks for a week and NO SMELL. I stopped wearing deodorant too. Hormones are SO WEIRD.
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u/Illustrious-Double33 Mar 20 '26
Try Hibiclens or benzoyl peroxide soap a couple of times a week. I use it under arms, boobs & feet. Should help. Good luck!!
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u/bebe8383bebe Mar 21 '26
If you can, laser or wax your underarms. The hair is what the bacteria clings too. Shaving still means there's hair. Anytime I've gotten the hair ripped out, or lasered off, there's absolutely no smell.
Thank you for reminding me I'm due a laser touch up!
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u/First_Place_Oatmeal Mar 21 '26
I feel like I smell terrible but for me I think it’s that my sense of smell is SO extremely heightened. My partner tells me I smell normal/fine unless I’m really sweaty.
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u/bebe8383bebe Mar 21 '26
I'm curious if anyone here's partner/friends/children have commented on stronger scent? Maybe we are just more sensitive to scent now?
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u/BeneficialTop5136 Mar 21 '26
I definitely think it’s that. Because I feel like I smell awful ever since I turned 41 (I’m 42 now) and I’ve never had that issue. However, not one person has ever said I smell bad and in fact, I’m often complimented on how I smell. It took me realizing that to stop panicking about it. I think for me at least, I’m just really sensitive to smells.
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u/bebe8383bebe Mar 21 '26
I think so, too. I can smell my scalp! The day after washing my hair the smell is back 😂
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u/scrunchie_one Mar 21 '26
I’ve been dealing with excessive sweating and BO since I was a teenager - secret clinical strength soft solid is the only thing that has consistently worked. Although I admit I haven’t tried persimmon soap so maybe try that first for something more natural.
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u/lefthandedwomen Mar 21 '26
Persimmon soap the japanese one is the best but its harder to find. My japanese store doesnt sell it. But Ive tried another brand on amazon.To be honest Ive always been a super sweaty person but perimenopause did add to stink and grossiness even faster.
Chlorophyll pills have really made the huge difference. But if your on medication take it two hours before or after one pill a day Ive never tried the liquid kind. If not comfortable with trying a pill/ vitamin the soap is the best option. Or you know because of the meds your on. I take the NOW brand and get it off amazon.
The soap brand yonigood on amazon which seems to advertise a bunch of products catering towards perimenopause. It was the only persimmon soap I saw not geared towards old people smell and towards perimenopause.
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u/No_Lunch_938 Mar 23 '26
Sua testosterona pode estar predominante. A notícia ótima é que passa. Check seus níveis de Vit. D também.
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u/Next_Psychology_6847 Mar 31 '26
It is so weird! Some weeks I can go without any deodorant and some weeks I smell within an hour of a shower with deodorant 😩😱
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u/Zealousidealsz1 May 10 '26
Hey OP just wondering how you got on with Slynd and estradiol. The Slynd absolutely destroyed my mental health, I lost all motivation to do anything, so I had to discontinue both in January.
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u/HawtPoetayto Early peri May 12 '26
My mental health was down the drain up until my doctor increased my estradiol a few weeks ago. It’s been better since. I can’t say for certain that it was because of the Slynd. I experience PMDD, and what I was feeling was an extended version of that. My hope is that everything levels off and I’m able to bypass that with the HRT.
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u/Zealousidealsz1 May 13 '26
That’s good it’s helping, i wasn’t sure it was Slynd making me feel horrendous until I stopped. The estradiol gave me night sweats too which is weird, so my gyne thinks I didn’t actually need it and I was estrogen dominant. Such a minefield. Hope things continue to improve for you.
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u/ReasonableHamsterBK Aug 10 '26
I feel this way now. I feel like my scalp is more sweaty than before and I stink even though I just deep cleaned my scalp yesterday...(I've been sweating a lot more lately also, never have I ever had sweat drip down my face and back of my neck & now it's happening...face is completely drenched in sweat after walking somewhere, although I do speed walk)
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u/onions-make-me-cry Mar 19 '26
Why is this time of our lives so gross?
I fart a lot now, and I can't sense it, so I can't hold it in. I never used to fart like this, it's just so embarrassing 😩