I'm increasingly sweaty and it's increasingly smelly [blush]. Why?!

[EmbarrassedAboutThis]

Since my teens, I've been conscious of sweating a fair bit between my legs. As I've got older, and particularly in the last few years, I've noticed an odour to this which I'm self-conscious about. It's not every day, but often enough to bother me.

Also, on-and-off since having ds three-and-a-half years ago, but in recent months, nightly, I sweat from my (flat) chest at night to the point that I feel a little damp in the morning and it smells awful. I have to change the bedding every few days.

I'd managed to conceal both of the above from ex-dh, whom I split from last year. But they're worse now, and I'm now tentatively thinking ahead to the possibility of a new relationship and feel ashamed, disgusting, unfeminine, about this smelly sweating business. I've always been confident in bed. However, I'm now so self-conscious about my comically small boobs and now the sweating that I really can't imagine getting my kit off for anyone and I feel desperately sad about this.

My GP says my skin just seems "sensitive" (I am prone to acne too, and manageable excess facial hair) to whatever chemistry comes its way.

Has anyone any idea of what might cause not only excessive sweating in the first place - particularly in the groin and now chest areas - but for it to have a strong (and unpleasant) odour? (I'm 30, btw.) Thanks ~

Well there are several things it could be - given the facial hair and skin problems it might be polycystic ovaries, or possibly (I think - I am not a medic) a thyroid or other hormonal problem. Night sweats could be an early menopause, for instance. IF your GP is not much cop try and get referred for a second opinion.

Ask to be referred to a dermatologist. a friend's dd has just been referred because of excessively sweaty palms. Your seemingly trivial problem is having a psychological impact, so it needs sorting out.

There could be all sorts of reasons - one of dh's teachers had terribly stinky armpits and it turned out it was because he was doing research into selenium. How bizarre is that?

Thanks. madamez, I have been checked twice for polycystic ovaries - negative - though my GP has suggested revisiting this later in the year. I'm sure there's something amiss with my hormones, because my boobs have always been tiny (an AA/A cup on a 5'8", big-boned woman - they look ridiculous!), despite my mum's and sister's being huge. Plus the facial hair. Checking in with an endocrinologist would potentially be helpful, but I doubt I would be referred.

I had a blood test in the spring of last year which came back suggesting premature ovarian failure (early menopause), but two tests since have been normal, including one just before Christmas. Hmm.

fortyplus, yes, agreed, a psychological impact is emerging. I'll speak to the doctor about this again when I go next, but in the meantime am going to see if diet has much effect - I do eat a lot of rich food and flavours. Will try keeping it simple for a while.

Thanks again. Anyone else any thoughts?

do you eat much dairy?

Have you been checked for excess testosterone levels (I'm NOT a medic but my cousin had this problem and once she had been treated, the symptoms totally disappeared)?

Other ramblings: I think everyone tends to get a bit more 'fragrant' as they get older, and weight gain can have an impact on this. I definitely perspire more now I'm heavier for example. Drinking lots of water, cutting out coffee and watching your diet can be helpful.

If it's not every day, it might be helpful to keep a diary of when it happens (ie what time of the month) and what you eat on those days/how much you sleep etc. You never know, a pattern may emerge.

Hope you find the help you need!

Thanks, nightcat and Counting. I do eat a bit of dairy, not loads, but could try cutting it out altogether.

I have been checked for raised testosterone, yes. My levels are normal. Hence the doctor's remark about receptors in my skin being more sensitive than average to all the chemistry that comes their way.

I'd echo getting a bit sweatier and more 'fragrant' as I get 'older' (30!). I am not overweight at all, though; my BMI is only just inside the low end of the healthy range.

I don't drink tea or coffee, but could probably jack up the quantity of water I drink.

Diary (of when it happens, food consumed, etc) is a good idea. Will give that a go.

Thank you again.

@EmbarrassedAboutThis did you find a way to deal with the problem?