Hormones??? Body Odor....

Have you tried the clinical strength deodorants by degree or secret? They work really well. Also, I know there are prescription strength deodorants that close off the sweat glands - you could probably have called in for you instead of going into see the doctors or dermatologist.

Interesting that it is just 1 armpit. Seems like if it was hormones or diet it would affect both armpits. I have had 3 kids and didn't experience this thankfully. I am like you - never really NEEDED deodorant. Didn't ever really smell unless I had a super stressful unexpected incident. I DID experience a change of body odor while I was studying abroad in Germany - had to be on antibiotics and smelled different to myself for weeks afterward. I felt like I had been colonized by a different bacteria. Eventually it went away.

With it only being 1 armpit, I would wonder if you had a bacterial or fungal infection or just got colonized by a different "normal flora" in that armpit when your chemistry changed with pregnancy. It may be something as simple as using antibacterial soap only on that armpit in the hopes that the "normal flora" of your other armpit would colonize that armpit as well. The bacteria live on the hair shaft and follicle so I would guess that shaving DAILY that armpit and using the antibacterial soap on that armpit daily for a while may increase your chance of a change in flora. I would put deodorant on the "good" side first.

Not to freak you out but - there have been cases of dogs smelling breast cancer before it has been detected otherwise. There is mammary gland tissue in parts of your armpit. Have you done a self exam lately? Always a good idea to keep that up - just a reminder.

Let us know if you find anything that works.
Best wishes!

I think it's probably hormones. I had this problem for a few months while I was breastfeeding. I would do the same thing, take a shower, deodorant, perfume, fresh change of clothes, and still smelled bad! I could smell it very strongly too. So, worried other people noticed, I asked my hubby if he ever did, and he said yes! I was mortified! It went away on its own, so I'm not sure what it was. Sorry I don't have much advice, just know you're not alone! Good luck!

HI P.! I had that prob. after having each of my kids. I started taking Estrofactors, a supplement by Metagenics that helps your body balance your hormone levels. One hormones were balanced, the problem went away!
You can look for Metagenics products online. Sometimes you can get them at a discount at different online vitamin stores.
Good luck!

Hormones are a big factor, but you probably don't smell as offensive to others as you do to yourself. Your diet also contributes to body order. Reduce or eliminate onions and garlic and see if that helps. I would also second the suggestion of a crystal deoderant. I use Liquid Rock by Kiss my face, but there are several types out there, (even actual crystal stones that work too!).

I haven't read the other posts, but have you tried the "crystal" natural deodorants? A friend of mind uses this and she swears by it - I use clinical Secret and put it on 2 - 3 times a day - I feel like I had the same problem after both of my children were born, but I don't think it lasted 3 1/2 years. Also, have you tried the men's deodorants? They are stronger.

Maybe hormones, or infection? My pits and inner thighs smelled differently once I had my first child, and more sweating. Never went away, and I nursed both. I use women's mitchum, the clear gel bc don't want the aluminum.

However, it does ease up the more water I drink and when I exercise a few times each week. I guess the toxins must get out:)

This was a big problem for me- I had to wear my husband's manly deodorant. He gave me a horrible time because I smelled so bad and didn't believe me when I explained that I put deodorant on. It was definately hormones. It came with childbirth and went away when I quit nursing. The fact yours is lingering is a bit troublesome. Have you tried any natural treatments to avoid going to a doctor or has your diet changed? Good luck!

I have the same issue. My baby is 28 months and it doesn't matter what I do, I smell! It's especially worse when I wear a tank top and my skin rubs itself. I don't have insurance right now either, but I do KNOW that it is a hormone issue. I gain some insurance in April and will be seeing the doctor about it for sure!

After I had my son, my hormones also changed. I wish I could say it was one armpit. Unfortunately, it was both...AND the glands inside my thighs also started smelling, so I had a horrible crotch odor. I had to start putting deodorant/antipersperant inside my thighs, which I hated doing. It got particularly bad about a week before my period. Once I got pregnant again, it completely went away. I've used the crystal deodorant and it didn't work for me. I haven't tried the rose oil yet. Also, I nursed that entire time, so I wonder if it would have gone away once I stopped nursing. Guess I won't know for a couple years...after this baby is born and done nursing.

I use rose oil instead of deodorant, the little pure rose oil extract bottles in the aromatherapy section. They are usually 5-10% rose oil and 90-95% jojoba oil because rose oil is very strong. I dab a drop or two on each armpit. Rose oil has a natural chemical reaction with sweat, it prevents sweat from breaking down into the bacteria that cause odor, but lets you keep sweating which is good for your body.