Body Odor Causes: 6 Distinct Triggers in Women

Once in a blue moon, a not-so-pleasant smell comes from your body and causes you to spiral into self-consciousness. The musk still lingers no matter how many daily showers you take. What could be the reason? It turns out this olfactory phenomenon is not uncommon. Identifying the different body odor causes can help stop funk in its tracks and save you from feeling embarrassed. Scroll down to find out more.

As if dealing with cramps and mood swings isn't terrible enough, the crimson wave raises quite a stink. Hormonal changes during your period can leave you feeling hotter than usual. This uptick in sweating creates a humid environment where bacteria thrive, releasing compounds called thioalcohols, with a scent that can only be described as a pungent blend of cheese, onion, and sulfur.

Don't let that get you down, though. Interestingly, research finds that body odor causes men to perceive women as more attractive since it signals fertility. But if you want to keep things under control, consider ways to cool your body down and use a spritz of fragrance or apply a deo to manage your natural scent.

Every woman has one "good" bra that provides the perfect support for the gals and feels comfortable enough to be worn all day. It's so tempting to give it a few extra rounds before finally tossing it into the laundry hamper. But consider just how much sweat and oil it accumulates. After all, your brassiere spends its time nestled against some of the moisture-prone areas of your body – the back, armpits, and under the breasts.

Not washing your delicates frequently enough leads to unwanted odor, which can even transfer onto your clothes. Plus, wearing a grimy bra puts you at risk of bacne. You (and the people around you) deserve better.

Armpit hair isn't the sole culprit behind underarm odor. What it does, though, is trap moisture, providing a haven for bacteria to thrive. One study reveals those who trim or shave their fuzzy underarms tend to have a less pungent smell. But this doesn't mean removing body hair guarantees you won't have BO. There are many other body odor causes to steer clear of.

Whether you like rocking your underarms au naturel or prefer a clean shave, keep your pits smelling fresh all day with Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Roll-On. It's an antiperspirant with zero alcohol and aluminum salts for 24-hour odor protection. What's more, it contains ¼ moisturizing cream for smoother skin.

Did you know that snug leggings and sports bras contribute to your post-workout stench? Form-fitting sportswear restricts airflow to the skin, making you sweat even more. And if you're wearing synthetic fabrics like spandex, all the rubbing can irritate your skin, too.

The good news is that a stylish gym outfit doesn't have to be skin-tight. Opt for breathable clothes that allow better air circulation or mix them with your favorite figure-hugging ensembles. It's worth considering lightweight materials that offer an odor-repellent effect.

Body odor causes you to sneakily sniff your underarms, hoping nobody catches wind of the smell. But what if the BO is coming from your feet? They deserve some pampering, too! Scrub them with a pumice stone to remove the dead skin cells and do a foot soak with Epsom salt or baking soda once a week. Remember to clip your toenails, as they can also harbor odor-causing bacteria. Most importantly, wash your shoes regularly and always wear clean socks.

Estrogen levels drop significantly as you transition into menopause. This hormonal shift results in higher testosterone levels, which is linked to hair loss and stronger body odor. Symptoms like hot flashes can also draw in more bacteria to feed on the sweat. And the weirdest part? Many women in perimenopause report having heightened smell sensitivity, leading them to believe they smell worse than they actually do.

These body odor causes can catch anyone off guard, but with the right strategy, you can prevent them from happening. Keep up your hygiene game and seize the day with confidence, odor-free.