Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

BO suddenly at 39 - mortified!!

42 replies

SuzieBishop · 22/12/2022 07:23

I’m just wondering if anyone’s gone through the same thing - the past couple of days I’ve realised I could smell myself, sweaty BO smell through the day. This has never happened before - I had to come straight home from work yesterday and the day before and jump in the shower and then had another shower in the mornings because I’m paranoid! I’ve just turned 39-is it something that comes with getting older? I haven’t change my deodorant, normally I have a shower every couple of days and am fine smell wise. I don’t have an active job, I sit in an office and it’s not like I’m running around all day as I drop the kids off at school & nursery before I go to work and then pick them up.
thanks for any advice x

OP posts:

ShaunaTheSheep · 22/12/2022 07:55

Ignore the sneery comments OP.

Get a nice bar of soap (Dove is NOT soap btw) and a flannel and do a proper wash.

Mitchum spray is a good one.

Pelo22 · 22/12/2022 07:57

Soap under armpits with a flannel or something scrubby
Dove/sure max protection, it's a cream you put on at night and about a fiver (if you like it, Amazon does it cheap in bulk)
I shower at night then apply it and it works all the next day

megletthesecond · 22/12/2022 07:59

I had to use Mitchum for a few years. It's settled down now I'm heading for fifty.
Bar soap really worked for me.

Cliffordthebigreddog · 22/12/2022 08:00

Some people are being so mean, just ignore them. I noticed this too and was also horrified!! I have never smelt of BO in my life. I was sat in the office and noticed a horrible BO smell and to my horror realised it was me!!! I am certain with me it is hormone related as I am definitely peri menopausal, I’m 47. Good luck with sorting the deodorant, think I’ll try Mitchum too!!

margithid · 22/12/2022 08:04

Yes I presume it's peri. I'm 44 and noticed this start a couple of years ago. I've always been a person who sweats easily but it didn't used to smell like this. The worst bit is (sorry TMI) the sour smell of between boob sweat. Talcum powder helps a lot with this. Only other time I remember being aware of smelling was in pregnancy so I also vote hormones.

itsgettingweird · 22/12/2022 08:09

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I don't shower everyday.

I can manage as a fully functioning adult to use soap and flannel without getting under running water.

I agree hormones. I noticed this at same age and I didn't know it at the time but my adenomyosis had just kicked in. Once in hormone treatment and now having had a hysterectomy it's not ever happened again.

But I'm thinking when I hit menopause it could be a massive indicator.

picklemewalnuts · 22/12/2022 08:13

The good news is, post meno I don't get sweaty at all.

So there's that to look forward to!

lobsterkiller · 22/12/2022 08:17

@SmiteTheeWithThunderbolts Yes agree peri/meno can do this, I've never had underarm BO, started with it on my groin though! Much better for being on HRT and waxing.

ScottishBeth · 22/12/2022 08:19

@SuzieBishop people are being so mean. Showering every 2 days is fine. Obviously things have changed recently but you've been doing it for years without issue. People are so ridiculous about hygiene.

I don't have any advice about the situation but just wanted to reassure you.

runningonberocca · 22/12/2022 08:35

Can’t believe people are telling you to go to your GP. “ shower every couple of days”. Come on! Don’t be going for blood tests - just wash!!!

maeveiscurious · 22/12/2022 08:37

Always soap, Mitchum deodorant and antibacterial on clothing close to the skin

laurelbee · 22/12/2022 08:37

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

KangarooKenny · 22/12/2022 08:40

You need to wash your arm pits with bar soap and a flannel, then use Mitchum deodorant. I like the gel one in the push up packaging,

Novemberhater · 22/12/2022 08:42

SuzieBishop · 22/12/2022 07:36

Honestly I’m so relieved it’s not just me - so I have been ill, had a sore throat but I’m out the other side. I will be driving straight to the shop on my lunch break to get some Mitchum! I’ve used Sure for years and years.
ive never heard of peri menopause- I’ll do some googling! Thanks all, you saved my anxious mind! X

Sure doesn't work on me at all. I might as well not put on any deodorant. I was so embarrassed the first time I used it as I stank all day. I tried it again years later when I was given one for free and it had no effect. All other brands are fine.

Misstabithabean · 22/12/2022 08:49

I had this problem and think it was linked to peri menopause. I tried Triple Dry after seeing someone recommend it on MN and have been really impressed. (Mitchum didn't work for me) BO problem has completely gone. I've also switched to soap for underarms as others have recommended.

eurochick · 22/12/2022 09:16

It can be a peri meno thing, although you are on the young side. I had it when I was breastfeeding too. Then I had a number of fragrant years. Then again at peri meno. It's definitely hormonal - for a few days a month it doesn't matter how much I wash or what deodorant I wear, there is a whiff there. The rest of my cycle is fine.

rcat74 · 22/12/2022 10:01

Try doing the menopause questionnaire. I think it started for me at 40. I noticed the smell this year and have been using persimmon soap but it is definitely improving with HRT.

Flip

1 2