Will body odor during puberty resolve on its own?
Generally, during puberty, body odor (bromhidrosis) may gradually diminish as individuals age and their hormone levels stabilize. However, complete spontaneous resolution is uncommon. If symptoms persist or worsen, or are accompanied by significant discomfort, medical intervention may be necessary. If concerned, it is advisable to seek medical advice earlier. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Bromhidrosis during puberty is often associated with increased secretion of androgens and active development of apocrine sweat glands. As puberty ends and hormone levels gradually stabilize, the secretory function of the apocrine glands may weaken, sweat production decreases, bacterial proliferation is reduced, and the body odor becomes less noticeable.
If bromhidrosis is closely related to genetic factors and the apocrine glands are inherently well-developed, even after puberty ends, their secretory function may not fully return to a low level, and the unpleasant odor may persist. Poor underarm hygiene or frequent wearing of tight, non-breathable clothing can exacerbate bacterial growth and prolong the presence of odor.
In daily life, it is important to maintain good hygiene by showering and changing clothes regularly, keeping the underarm area dry and clean, and choosing loose, breathable cotton clothing. If the odor continues to affect daily life or causes skin discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended to explore improvement options and avoid long-term distress.