How to Manage Menopause Sweats And Odor

Older African American woman dancing with no sign of menopause sweating

Menopause is a powerful time of transition. A new chapter of wisdom, growth, and self-awareness. But let’s be honest: along with the wisdom comes some… heat. Menopause sweating can feel unpredictable, from mid-day hot flashes to night sweats that disrupt sleep. And for many women of color, these hormonal shifts can impact not just sweat levels but skin texture and even odor. The good news? With the right strategies, you can navigate these changes with confidence and comfort.

Why does menopause trigger sweat?

Sweating during menopause isn’t random. It’s your body adjusting to hormonal shifts. As estrogen levels decline, your body’s temperature regulation system becomes more sensitive. This triggers sudden hot flashes and night sweats.¹ Essentially, your thermostat is recalibrating, and sweating is its way of cooling you down.

Common types of menopause sweating

1. Hot flashes

Hot flashes can strike without warning, often causing sudden warmth, flushed skin, and sweating. They can happen during meetings, errands, or even while relaxing at home.

2. Night sweats

Post menopausal sweating at night can soak sleepwear and sheets, disrupting rest.² Night sweats are not just uncomfortable. They can leave you feeling drained the next day.

3. General Increase in sweat production

Even outside of flashes or night sweats, many women notice their bodies sweat more than before menopause. Changes in skin oil and sweat composition can affect odor, too.

What causes the change in sweat smell?

Hormonal shifts during menopause don’t just increase how much you sweat; they also change how it smells. As estrogen levels drop, your sweat glands produce different types of sweat, and your skin chemistry can shift. This can make your sweat smell stronger or slightly different than it did before menopause.³

Other factors can also influence the way your sweat smells. Stress and anxiety can trigger more intense sweating and can alter its odor. Diet plays a role too. Certain foods, like spicy dishes or caffeine, can make sweat smell more pronounced. Finally, your personal skin microbiome, the community of bacteria that naturally lives on your skin, interacts with sweat and can change its scent.

All of this is completely normal, but understanding why it happens can help you feel more in control. For starters: a reliable deodorant, like the SheaMoisture deodorants, can help manage odor and keep you feeling dry and comfortable.

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How to stay fresh during menopause sweating

Dress for breathability

Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking blends whenever possible. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing allow your skin to breathe, reduce the intensity of sweat, and help you stay more comfortable during the day.

At night, wear breathable pajamas made of soft cotton or bamboo. These fabrics help wick moisture away from your skin, to keep you cooler and more comfortable during night sweats.

Cooling routine

A few simple cooling strategies can make a big difference. Keep a small fan or portable cooling device nearby to quickly lower your body temperature when menopause sweats happen during the day. At night, consider using air conditioning in your bedroom or a cooling pillow to help you sleep more comfortably through night sweats.

Wear a reliable deodorant

Use a reliable deodorant to stay fresh and confident throughout the day. SheaMoisture antiperspirant deodorants, created to nourish and enhance melanin-rich skin. They provide confidence, protection, and added benefits for healthy, happy underarms.

For other areas of the body, there’s SheaMoisture Whole Body Deodorant. With no aluminum and a plant-based formula, it’s designed to keep you feeling fresh and cared for from head to toe.

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Skincare swaps

Swap heavy creams for lighter, non-comedogenic lotions. Incorporate gentle exfoliation to prevent sweat-related irritation. SheaMoisture hydrating and soothing products can help combat dryness and keep your skin feeling comfortable and nourished during menopause.

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When to see a doctor

While menopause sweating is usually normal, consult a healthcare provider if:

Sweating is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like rapid weight loss or fever.
It interferes significantly with your daily life or sleep.
You notice unusual odor changes or persistent skin irritation.

Menopause sweating is a normal, natural part of life’s transitions. By understanding your body, using cooling strategies, and swapping to skincare and deodorants that work with you, you can navigate these changes with ease, comfort, and confidence.