What is the problem? 

Some women complain of problems with sweat or body odor during the transition to menopause, especially if they suffer from hot flashes. They feel that their sweat has a stronger odor. However, it appears that this is related to a change in the sense of smell, the sensation, rather than an actual physiological change. Changes in body odor can lead to discomfort with other people and even anxiety. It is therefore important to talk about this and look for solutions.

What are the reasons for this?

The sweat glands regulate the temperature. During the perimenopause and menopause, the distance between the area where you are too warm and the area where you are too cold decreases. Your body reacts to this by sweating at lower temperatures and making you shiver at higher temperatures than before. This explains why you sweat more.

Another factor that can explain increased sweating during the menopause is stress and anxiety. In addition, a drop in oestrogen levels during the menopause can leave some women with more male hormones, testosterone. This can lead to an increased number of bacteria in the sweat, which can then give off a stronger odor.

What are solutions?

If you sweat at night, fans, cooling sprays or even cooling pillows can be helpful. A deodorant or antiperspirant (these block the sweat glands) with antibacterial agents is very effective. Don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.

In phytotherapy, dietary supplements containing sage extract have proven helpful in reducing sweating.