HRT is making me stink

[Awakenthewitch]

Has anybody else started taking hrt ( i'm on low dose patches that stick to the leg) and it has changed their body odour to an almost manly sweat smell?
This is the first week but it is grim. I want to persist because of the benefits but this is almost intolerable.
I shower twice daily, use anti- perspirant deodorant, wear freshly laundered clothes daily...
Does it get any better?

Not something I've noticed, but many women have posted here about a strange body smell once they are peri menopausal. It's probably a coincidence with your HRT. 1 week isn't enough to see those sorts of changes especially on a low dose patch (25mcg?) and on your leg- is that your thigh? Most women stick them on their bum cheeks. It's possible you're not absorbing much yet.

I don't know anyone who stinks. I'd be popping to my GP and asking for blood tests to see if anything underlying.

Do you have a partner, has anyone commented? Maybe it's psychological. Try some perfume balm under your nostrils to retrain your sense of smell maybe.

No, never noticed this, that's not a normal reaction. Definitely go to your doc.

I've never changed smell. Nor sweated any more frequently.

Put your patch on your bottom instead?

Maybe it is this https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/sep/03/old-person-smell

It’s a well known topic of discussion that people form NA don’t think that deodorant or antiperspirants work in the UK. I would but something on Amazon from across the pond and see if this helps.