DEEP DIVE
PCOS & Body Odor - The Symptom No One Warned You About
Are you passing the “sniff test”?
Let’s talk about something almost no one brings up.
Because I promise you — if you’ve experienced this, you are not alone.
This still makes me cringe
Years ago, I was living in Paris during an international exchange program.
New country.
New friends.
Peak “main character energy.”
My roommate and I decided to throw a themed white party in our apartment. Everyone showed up dressed perfectly. Music was playing. The vibe was immaculate.
Midway through the night, my roommate pulls me aside.
Very quietly.
Very seriously.
And says:
“Hey… you need to put on some deodorant. You have bad BO.”
I laughed at first.
Then did a quick sniff test.
And that’s when my stomach dropped.
It was me.
If he could smell it, everyone else could too.
I was mortified.
I went to the bathroom, scrubbed, reapplied deodorant, and tried to enjoy the rest of the night — but honestly? I just wanted the party to end.
For years, I told myself:
I must’ve forgotten deodorant
Maybe I was just nervous
Maybe it was the heat
But deep down, I knew something didn’t add up.
Because it didn’t happen once.
It happened randomly.
And no amount of “being clean” seemed to fully prevent it.
It’s a PCOS thing…
You’re not imagining it.
And no — this is not about hygiene.
Body odor changes are much more common with PCOS than anyone warns us about. They’re just:
rarely discussed
brushed off by doctors
and quietly googled in shame
Most of us are taught that body odor = sweat + cleanliness.
But with PCOS?
It’s often hormones, blood sugar, gut health, and stress working behind the scenes.
That Paris moment wasn’t a personal failure.
It was a physiological one — I just didn’t know it yet.
How PCOS can change body odor
1. Androgens & Sweat Glands
PCOS is often associated with higher androgens.
These hormones stimulate apocrine sweat glands — the kind linked to stronger-smelling sweat.
More stimulation = sweat that bacteria love to break down.
That breakdown is where odor comes from.
Not dirt.
Not laziness.
Chemistry.
2. Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Swings
When blood sugar isn’t stable, your body produces more metabolic byproducts.
Think of it like burning fuel inefficiently — more “exhaust.”
That internal imbalance can subtly affect:
sweat composition
skin bacteria
even breath and urine odor
No deodorant can override that.
3. Gut Health & Detox Load
Your gut and liver help process hormones.
When they’re overwhelmed (very common with PCOS), the body looks for backup exits.
Sometimes… that exit is sweat.
It’s not your body failing you.
It’s your body improvising.
4. Stress Hormones
Stress sweat is different than workout sweat.
It’s richer in proteins — which odor-causing bacteria love.
PCOS bodies are often under chronic stress, even when life feels “normal.”
I wish deodorant was the answer
If you’ve:
rotated through every deodorant on the shelf
scrubbed harder
avoided sleeveless tops
blamed certain foods
You’re not alone.
But most solutions focus on blocking sweat, not supporting the systems creating it.
More stripping → more irritation → more imbalance.
Your body doesn’t need punishment.
It needs regulation.
The uncomfortable truth
1. Stabilize Blood Sugar First
This alone helps many women.
eat protein at every meal
avoid long fasts if you’re already stressed
don’t skip breakfast “just because”
Steadier fuel = cleaner metabolism.
2. Support Minerals
Electrolyte imbalances can affect sweat smell.
Think:
magnesium
potassium
adequate sodium
Balance > restriction.
3. Gentle Gut Support
No extreme cleanses required.
Start with:
consistent meals
fiber from whole foods
fermented foods if tolerated
Small, boring habits work best.
4. Skin-Friendly Deodorant Options
Some women do better with:
magnesium-based deodorants
occasional glycolic acid use (not daily)
The goal isn’t zero sweat.
It’s a calmer skin environment.
5. Lower Stress (for Real, Not “Just Relax”)
Poor sleep, under-eating, overtraining, constant symptom monitoring…
All increase stress sweat.
More support → less emergency signaling.
If I could go back and understand my body sooner
PCOS symptoms aren’t random.
And they’re not moral failures.
Body odor isn’t something to be ashamed of.
It’s feedback.
A signal that your body needs support — not scrubbing, not silence, not self-blame.
If this story made you feel seen (or less alone), that’s not an accident.
You’re in the right place.
More PCOS symptoms no one warns you about — and what to do instead — coming soon.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Herby Lentil & Burrata Salad
This Herby Lentil and Burrata Salad from Good Housekeeping is a fresh, protein-rich dish featuring tender lentils, creamy burrata, and a medley of herbs tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. It's hearty yet light—perfect as a satisfying vegetarian meal or a vibrant side for spring and summer. [FULL RECIPE HERE]
THAT’S A WRAP
Before you go: Here is 1 way I can help
The best thing I’ve done for my hair is oiling. Adding 2-3 drops of Organic Jojoba oil onto my ends has helps add new life and shine into my hair while also creating a barrier of protection.
See you next week,
— Arzina
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I can shake of everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.
Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.
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*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.
