Why Women Over 40 Experience Menopause Body Odor and How to Manage It

Why Women Over 40 Experience Menopause Body Odor and How to Manage It

Menopause is a natural change that all women will go through at some point, but for many women, the journey starts sooner than they think. The National Institute on Aging says that the average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51 years old. However, symptoms can start much earlier, usually in the early to mid-40s. Most women start to notice signs of perimenopause between the ages of 45 and 55. However, up to 5% of women may go through menopause as early as their late 30s or early 40s.

People often talk about menopause in terms of hot flashes or night sweats, but it really affects the whole body, including skin, hair, mood, and body odor. These changes can feel overwhelming for women over 40, but with the right information and natural care, you can get through this stage with confidence and grace.

Signs of Menopause in Women Over 40

Menopause causes a lot of physical and emotional changes. Knowing what the common signs are can help women over 40 handle this change with more clarity and confidence.

1. Mood swings and changes in feelings

Woman experiencing menopause symptoms with hand on chest and head, illustrating mood swings and body odor concerns for women over 40.

Changes in hormones can make you irritable, stressed, or even sad at times. A lot of women say they feel like their feelings are "all over the place." If you're having trouble with your confidence during this time of change, our story about Rediscovering My Confidence During Menopause can help you feel better and give you ideas for how to do it.

2. Sweating at Night and Hot Flashes

Older woman experiencing a hot flash, wiping sweat from forehead. Image shows menopause symptoms like night sweats and body odor.

Hot flashes feel like sudden waves of heat that can spread across the face, neck, and chest. They often make you feel hot and sweaty. At night, these turn into "night sweats," which wake women up and leave them soaked. These changes in temperature are linked to changes in estrogen levels and are some of the first and most obvious signs. To learn more about why hot flashes happen and how they connect to changes in body odor, explore our guide on what causes menopausal hot flashes and sources of body odor. 

3. Problems with sleep

Older woman lying in bed awake with sleep problems, showing insomnia and restlessness during menopause, a common issue affecting women over 40.

It's getting more common to wake up in the middle of the night or have trouble falling asleep. For some women, this is directly related to night sweats. For others, it has to do with anxiety or changes in how melatonin is regulated. Not getting enough sleep can make mood swings and tiredness worse.

4. Changes in body odor, hair, and skin

Woman checking her underarm for body odor during menopause, illustrating changes in skin, hair, and Nonenal odor addressed by Mirai Clinical.

The skin may get drier and less elastic, and the hair may get thinner or change texture. Changes in the composition of sebum can also change the way some women's bodies smell. Studies show that the body makes a chemical called Nonenal during menopause. This chemical is sometimes called the cause of "old people smell." This can make your natural body odor stronger or less pleasant. Mirai Clinical's natural body care products are made to get rid of Nonenal and make you feel fresh again, which helps women feel good about themselves every day.

5. Change in body weight

Woman sitting on couch looking stressed with a scale on the floor, representing weight changes during menopause and hormonal shifts.

A lot of women gain weight during menopause, especially around their stomachs. This happens because changes in hormones slow down metabolism and change how fat is stored. Regular exercise and being aware of what you eat can help, but it's important to remember that the body changes naturally during this time.

The Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when a woman is going through changes. It usually starts in her 40s, but it can start earlier. At this point, estrogen and progesterone levels start to change, which can cause periods that are irregular, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Some women also notice that their hair, skin, and body odor change because of hormonal changes. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to almost 10 years.

2. Menopause

A woman is officially diagnosed with menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 months in a row. The average age for women in the U.S. to go through menopause is 51, but this can change. Many women also notice that they are more sensitive to body odor because of the rise of nonenal, a compound linked to aging skin. Other common symptoms include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and weight gain. This stage marks the end of the years when a woman can have children.

3. Postmenopause

After menopause, a woman is in postmenopause for the rest of her life. Hormone levels settle down at a lower level. This means that while hot flashes may get better over time, other health risks like osteoporosis, heart disease, and skin changes become more obvious. Changes in body odor may last because of lower estrogen levels and higher nonenal levels. This makes it even more important to take care of your skin and hygiene. A lot of women think this stage is about finding new ways to stay healthy and full of life.

How to Handle Menopause Symptoms Naturally

You don't always need medicine to deal with menopause. Simple changes to your daily routine and natural care can make a big difference in how you feel.

1. A Balanced Diet

Balanced diet for menopause health with fresh vegetables, fruits, salmon, nuts, and seeds providing calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens to support skin, bones, and energy.

Foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens, such as soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, are good for your bones and help keep your hormones in check. A diet full of nutrients can also help with hot flashes and give you more energy. You can also check out our blog on top foods for healthy skin after 40 for tips on how to nourish your skin from within.

2. Move Your Body

Older woman doing stretching exercise with support from a younger trainer, promoting movement, fitness, and healthy living during menopause.

Walking, yoga, or strength training on a regular basis can boost your mood, help you control your weight, make your bones stronger, and give you more energy. Being active also lowers the risk of getting long-term health problems like osteoporosis and heart disease.

3. Practices for the mind and body

Older woman practicing yoga meditation in a seated pose with eyes closed, focusing on mindful breathing, while another woman meditates in the background.

Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are great ways to lower stress, calm mood swings, and clear your mind. A few minutes every day can help women feel calmer and more in charge during this time of change.

4. Better sleep habits

Woman with gray hair sleeping peacefully using Mirai Clinical sleep tape for better rest, supporting healthy sleep habits during menopause.

You can sleep better by keeping your bedroom cool, cutting back on caffeine, and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. You can also try Mirai Clinical Sleep Tap which helps you breathe more easily through your nose. Getting enough sleep can help you feel better and less tired, which are common issues during menopause.

5. Hygiene and skin care that is natural

Smiling woman in a bathrobe holding Mirai Clinical Purifying & Deodorizing Shampoo with Japanese persimmon, a natural solution for body odor and hair care during menopause.

Many women have dry skin, thinning hair, and changes in body odor during menopause because of Nonenal. Mirai's Purifying & Deodorizing Hair Shampoo gently cleans and refreshes thinning hair, and the Deodorizing Soap with Persimmon and Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant with Persimmon are made to get rid of Nonenal smell. These natural solutions work together to make women feel clean, fresh, and sure of themselves every day.

6. Help from others

Group of women sitting together and knitting, sharing conversation and support, symbolizing connection, friendship, and community during menopause.

Talking about menopause with friends, family, or support groups can help you feel less alone and more connected. Sharing experiences helps make the journey feel normal and gives you important emotional support.

Beyond managing physical symptoms, finding joy and purpose in daily life is just as important. Simple activities can boost confidence and bring a sense of Ikigai, discover our blog on hobbies that bring Ikigai and confidence for people over 40.

Menopause isn't just the end of something, it's the start of a new phase of strength, self-care, and renewal. You can stay confident, full of life, and balanced by learning about the changes in your body and finding natural ways to deal with them. At Mirai, we're here to help you with gentle, science-based solutions that will help you accept this new chapter with grace, energy, and confidence every day.

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