It doesn't matter how old you are, the menopause can hit at any time and bring with it a whole host of symptoms that affect your daily life, so you may prefer to use a deodorant for menopause. Two of the main side effects menopausal women experience are hot flushes and night sweats. With all the excess sweating that menopause brings, you're bound to be worried about your body smelling unpleasant.
You may have tried menopause supplements and all sorts of other products, but for a quick BO fix, deodorant is worth a try. Like all types of deodorant, it doesn't permanently tackle the problem, but it does temporarily get rid of any odours and helps you to feel more confident as you go about your day. Plus, you can simply slot the tube into your bag and reapply as and when needed throughout the day.
Editor's choice:
•Best for a budget: Mitchum Women Triple Odour Defence 48HR Protection Deodorant Stick - Buy now from Amazon
•Best invisible deodorant: Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant - Buy now from Amazon
•Best aerosol deodorant: Triple Dry Anti-Perspirant Fresh Fragrance - Buy now from Boots
•Best deodorant for sensitive skin: Perspirex Original Antiperspirant Roll On - Buy now from Superdrug
To help put your mind at ease, we've rounded up the best deodorant for menopause odour to ensure you stay fresh for as long as possible. From aerosols and roll-ons to sticks and sprays, there are many different styles of deodorants and antiperspirants available to help you tackle underarm sweat during menopause. Check out the best deodorant for menopause below
The best deodorant for protection against menopause odour 2023
Best for a budget
Description
This Mitchum stick deodorant provides triple odour defence against heat, motion and stress. It has a fresh yet citrusy scent and easily glides under arms.
A reviewer said: "Ladies, if you are going through the menopause then Mitchums is the way to go. I found since starting menopause that my body odour has changed... I.e. what is happening here?! Anyway, Mitchums to the rescue including the sprays - wouldn't use anything else now."
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Alcohol free
Cons
- Some customers aren't keen on the scent
Best invisible deodorant
Description
Worried about excessive sweating? This deodorant goes on dry and stays dry for up to 48 hours of clinical-level protection.
A reviewer said: "I am going through the menopause and was upset about the changes in my body causing odour I had never experienced before. I tried this after reading the reviews and it's brilliant. It's given me my confidence back and would highly recommend you use it if you have perspiration problems."
Pros
- Long-lasting
- 60 per cent extra inside
Cons
- Not a bulk buy
Best spray deodorant
Description
Originally designed for people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, this spray deodorant is ideal for those dealing with hormonal sweating. It claims to last up to five days so you should only need to apply it once or twice a week for ultimate protection.
A reviewer said: "I started buying this about 18 ago when I was really suffering with the onset of menopause as normal deodorants just didn't do the job. I was really, really surprised at how effective this is and have continued to buy it even though I'm now on HRT. It's brilliant stuff and even after a day on the allotment or in really hot weather, it hasn't let me down. It lasts too! It isn't a dodgy claim about only needing to apply it sporadically it actually keeps doing its job. Because you don't need it every day the little spray bottle lasts for ages too. I would absolutely recommend this and intend to carry on using it as long as I can get hold of it."
Pros
- Unscented
- No need to apply day-after-day
Cons
- A handful of customers experienced irritation
Best natural deodorant
redirect.viglink.com
Description
Feel fresh and confident for longer using the Salt of the Earth Natural Deodorant. This one smells of melon and cucumber, but if that's not for you, there are three other fragrances and an unscented one available too.
A reviewer said: "I’m a lady of a certain age, have used all the familiar deodorants you can buy in the shops, and after a week, they don’t smell so good, but this particular brand was recommended, and I have to say that it’s brilliant.
It’s the stick one I use, it goes on as they all do, but I found that this brand keeps working all day. I no longer have that dilemma when out and about, I stay fresh, dry and B/odourless, all I smell of now is my Melon & Cucumber deo stick.
Thank you Salt of the Earth, for making an older lady more confident, daily. 🤗"
Pros
- 100 per cent natural
- Made from recycled, recyclable plastic
Cons
- Some reviews mentioned that it may not be suitable for sensitive skin
Best for hot flush protection
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Ultra-tolerant and hyper-effective, this deodorant offers a high level of protection against intense perspiration. It is rich in antiperspirant active ingredients, ultra-absorbent minerals and Perspicalm, which help to regulate heat and perspiration during hot flushes.
A reviewer said: "I’m not going to lie & say that nearly a tenner for a deodorant doesn’t make me cringe; yet, this one is worth it. It keeps you dry for as long as it states on the packaging & it smells nice & neutral. You won’t be overpowered by any artificial perfume. This is the only one I buy as it doesn’t hurt my skin & I can put a little on & then rely on it working."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Stops sweat patches on clothes
Cons
- Some customers thought the scent was a little masculine
Best aerosol deodorant
www.boots.com
Description
Whatever life throws at you during menopause, this aerosol has you covered. For the best results, it is recommended you apply it nightly just before going to sleep, which should help with any night sweats you may have.
A reviewer said: "A bit of background, I'm female, 34, pcos and thyroid issues. Hormones all over the place basically. I sweat, a lot, like go through about 3 layers of clothes sweat. I bought this yesterday and my god it is a life saver. It's reduce the amount of sweat significantly, even during a cardio workout. A great product! I know some reviews have commented on the smell, I don't find it that bad and it's not a lingering smell either."
Pros
- Customers have noticed the amount of sweat they produced significantly lowered when using this deodorant
- Slim bottle
Cons
- A couple of customers didn't like the smell
Best deodorant for sensitive skin
www.superdrug.com
Description
If your skin is sensitive but you need a strong antiperspirant, this is the one for you. Its comfort-skincare system minimises skin irritation while also providing effective and lasting protection against excessive sweat and odour.
A reviewer said: "I’ve been using this antiperspirant for years now and it’s a godsend. I apply once every 3/4 days and it keeps sweat (and slight pongs) at bay! Thoroughly recommend!!"
Another reviewer said: "I've been looking for a while to find good deodorant that stops my sweat and this is great. Boosted my confidence in wearing what I want without having to worry about sweat marks."
Pros
- Lasts 3-5 days
- Compact size so great for travelling
Cons
- At 20ml, it's a small bottle
Best prescription-strength antiperspirant
redirect.viglink.com
Description
Don't want to visit a doctor to get a strong antiperspirant? This roll-on is a prescription strength you can buy online. An antiperspirant this strong doesn't need to be applied every day. Just make sure you apply it on dry skin and let it really sink in before getting dressed.
One reviewer said: "This was a life changing product for me after menopause. I had never had a problem until then. I cannot recommend highly enough."
Another reviewer said: "This is the only deodorant that works if I’m stressed under pressure (at which point I perspire and can sometimes get a bit whiffy). It’s embarrassing, especially for a female in my view so I’ve tried all sorts of different makes. Most days if I know I’m just going to be sitting in my office, wearing cotton clothing, I’ll use a different deodorant but if I’m going through and anxious phase or wearing synthetic clothing then I use this product."
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Efficient at removing the smell
Cons
- It is quite wet when applied, so leave a good 20 to 30 minutes before putting on clothes
Who is affected by menopause?
Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can sometimes affect younger women too. The NHS lists many reasons why menopause may occur earlier than this. If you've had surgery to remove your ovaries (oophorectomy) or your uterus (hysterectomy), if you're undergoing treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy, or a generic reason. Sometimes it happens naturally without a known reason.
Why does menopause cause odour?
My Menopause Centre states that the drop in oestrogen levels in menopause can leave some women with relatively more male hormones. The extra testosterone in your body can cause you to have more bacteria in your sweat, meaning that it may smell more.
Perimenopause and menopause also affect your thermoneutral zone (the zone when you're neither too hot nor too cold). Its function is reduced and your body isn't sure how to react to it. This is why you'll find you sweat more at lower temperatures and shiver at higher temperatures.
Everyone tends to sweat more in times of uncertainty, when they're frightened and when they're in pain, which are all things heightened by menopause. With all these changes your body is going through, it is bound to trigger some of these emotions. Unfortunately, this means adding extra sweat on top of the sweating already caused by the hormonal changes in your body, so you may prefer to use a deodorant for menopause.
What helps with body odour during menopause?
As well as making sure you're wearing the best deodorant for menopause, there are some other steps you can follow for helping to alleviate menopause odour. Managing your hot flushes and night sweats will limit the amount of extra sweat you produce, which in turn will keep the bad-smelling bacteria away. My Menopause Centre has some tips and tricks for keeping cool during menopause.
Utilise fans and cooling sprays
Keep the night sweats at bay by ensuring you have a fan circulating air in your bedroom. You can also buy cooling sprays for instant cooling relief.
Buy cooling pillows and duvets
Changing your regular pillows and duvets to cooling ones is just what you need for those sweaty nights. Cooling pillowcases and duvets are made with temperature regulating materials to prevent you from overheating. The fabrics tend to be moisture-wicking and come with a layer of cooling gel inside for additional comfort.
Wear light layers of clothing
If you're prone to overheating, you don't want to be wearing thick clothes or lots of layers. Stick to light items, preferably made from cotton as the material is renowned for its cooling properties. If you do get cold, it is easier to add more layers than to take them away.
Manage stress and anxiety
It is always easier said than done, but if you're someone who sweats more in pressured situations, removing any unnecessary stress will help.
Take HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy has been used to help women manage symptoms of menopause for years. It is found to be very effective against hot flushes and night sweats. HRT has lots of pros but plenty of cons too. It's all about finding what works best for your body. It needs to be prescribed by your GP, so we would suggest booking an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options.
Rosie Floyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, working across a number of brands including Yours, Mother&Baby and What’s The Best.