😥 Never Let Them See You Sweat. (Menopause Didn't Get the Memo.)

PLUS: The FDA says no shortage. Women say otherwise. + That viral menopause remedy—does it actually work?

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
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👋 Hello friends! Welcome to the May 26th edition of Menopaussible—bringing you the news you can use and the ⚡ energy ⚡ you need to support your menopause journey. I'm Maria Caracci Ciccolella—mindset coach and menopause advocate. (Connect with me on ​​IG​ or ​LinkedIn​!)

We have officially reached the unofficial start of summer ☀️signaling warmer days ahead and the return of airy summer whites. White tees, white pants, white dresses were a large part of my summer wardrobe up until about mid-perimenopause when something a little too noticeable began to happen. My sweat changed—and soon after I started to notice a new body odor. The confident days of wearing white, feeling dry, and smelling fresh were shaken.

That said, it’s just hormones in action—and with a little knowledge nothing to break a sweat over. Let’s get into it!

When Menopause Breaks a Sweat

As we’ve highlighted in this newsletter before, the menopause transition is a full-system, body-wide event. As estrogen and progesterone make their long, grand, and somewhat dramatic exit, the body starts to cope with a whole potpourri of changes—not least of which is a change to how often—and how differently—we can sweat. What might you expect?

You might have an increased likelihood of breaking into a sweat. This is due in no small part to the roles both estrogen and progesterone can play on neurotransmitters in the brain, driving up anxiety and stress response and decreasing the body’s ability to regulate temperature leading to hot flashes. Triggering a sweat is easier as these same hormonal changes also kick your sweat glands into overdrive, particularly around the chest, underarms, and groin.

Then there’s the matter of the sweat itself. As the normal ratio of our body’s hormones change, estrogen levels may now appear lower relative to testosterone. This in turn can result in a thicker, nutrient-rich sweat (known as apocrine sweat) in the armpit and groin area. This particular sweat attracts bacteria which then feed on the triglycerides and fatty acids present and, in the process, release sulfur-containing volatile aroma compounds. The result: a body odor that can now smell ammonia-like, oniony, or even musky.

This new body odor can also be enhanced by the increase in sebum oil—also the result of this new estrogen-testosterone equation—which in some cases, can also lead to increased staining of clothing and fabrics.

Finally, your skin and vaginal environments are also changing. Lower estrogen levels begin to disrupt the ph-balance of the skin in a way that invites more odor-producing bacteria. This is also true within the vaginal walls where the loss of estrogen alters the vaginal microbiome, decreasing the presence of “good bacteria” that keep the growth of certain odor-causing bacteria in check.
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​There’s also your sense of smell to consider, as these very same hormonal changes can alter your sense of smell allowing you to now pick up on scents that you may not have noticed before or for that matter, have. In other words, we can think we stink.

Don’t sweat it—there are things you can do!

• For starters, you may need to switch up your deodorant, including a clinical-strength or prescription antiperspirant. If you are looking to decrease or manage sweat, look for aluminum-based antiperspirant formulas, since deodorants address odor only, not sweat
• When dressing, choose breathable, natural fabrics—linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking materials can help reduce bacterial buildup and therefore the risk of body odor.
• Launder strategically—white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda products can all be effectively utilized to break down the proteins in sweat stains; enzyme-based detergents tackle odor at the source
• Talk to your doctor—if the changes feel extreme, talk to a dermatologist or menopause specialist. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a recognized condition with treatment options.

Never Let Them See You Sweat

Most of us on this newsletter are probably old enough to remember this tagline—though the product itself may be a distant memory. Dry Idea’s manifesto on confidence and success advised women to maintain control, keep hold of one’s emotions, and never let vulnerability show—even in chaotic situations. Dry Idea was clearly never up against the unpredictability of menopause.

For many women, the hormone fluctuations set in before they even realize what’s happening, affecting their emotional centers and eroding confidence. It’s an important reminder: this loss of confidence has nothing to do with your abilities or experience and everything to do with a lack of knowledge. Women who don't know these changes are coming have no framework for managing or even responding to them. That feels like losing control. With context, however, it becomes something you can actually address.

It is precisely why Menopaussible exists: this information should have reached you years ago. The practical steps in the education section above aren't just hygiene tips—they're confidence restoration tools. Knowledge is the thing that gives you your white wardrobe back.

ALL THE PAUSSIBILITIES

If your body is getting your attention, that's not nothing. The question worth sitting with isn't "why is this happening to me"—it's "what else have I been navigating without the right information?"

Because if your confidence took a hit in your closet, it probably took a hit elsewhere, too—and that's worth naming.

Hit reply 📩 and tell me—where are you hesitating lately? You might be surprised what comes up.

PLUS: NEWS ITEMS

Speaking of working up a sweat—here's what else is worth your attention.

No Shortage, Says the FDA. Women Disagree.

Since the FDA removed longstanding safety warnings from hormone replacement therapies in late 2025, prescriptions surged—and the supply of estrogen patches hasn't kept up. Among women ages 45–54, prescribing rates jumped 184%, and all five patch manufacturers are currently running at full capacity but still falling short of demand. The FDA has stopped short of declaring a national shortage—but women filling prescriptions know otherwise. If you're having trouble refilling your patch, talk to your provider about alternatives: oral estradiol, gels, and sprays are all FDA-approved options that may work while supplies rebound. The shortage is expected to continue through the end of 2026. The good news: more women on hormone therapy than ever before is a win—even if the supply chain hasn't caught up yet.​
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That Viral Menopause Remedy Making the Rounds—Does It Actually Work?

A viral trend claims that a combination of common over-the-counter medications—specifically an allergy drug and an acid reducer—can ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Social media is full of women swearing by it. But before you raid the pharmacy aisle, it's worth asking: what does the evidence actually say? The short answer: not much—yet. (Here’s what one doctor had to say.) While some of the individual ingredients have shown modest effects in small studies, no clinical trials have validated this specific combination for menopause symptom relief, and the dosing being recommended online varies widely. As always, the better move is a conversation with a provider who knows your history before adding anything new to the mix—even something over the counter. Menopause deserves real answers, not viral ones.