Why did I suddenly develop body odor when I never had it before?

Aug 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolism, leading to increased sweat production. This results in greater underarm perspiration with altered composition, which, when broken down by bacteria, produces body odor (bromhidrosis). Symptoms may include palpitations and hand tremors. Treatment should involve the use of medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol tablets under the guidance of a physician to regulate thyroid function.

Previously having no body odor and suddenly developing it could be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, intense emotional fluctuations, axillary sweat gland inflammation, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hyperthyroidism. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hormonal changes during puberty: During puberty, increased levels of androgens stimulate the development and maturation of apocrine sweat glands in the armpits. Enhanced glandular secretory function leads to odor production after bacterial breakdown, forming body odor. Daily attention should be paid to underarm hygiene, frequent clothing changes, and wearing loose, breathable garments.

2. Intense emotional fluctuations: Prolonged states of anxiety, tension, or excitement can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, causing excessive secretion from the axillary sweat glands. The secretions are then broken down by bacteria, producing body odor. It is recommended to regulate emotions through listening to music, exercising, meditating, and maintaining emotional stability.

3. Axillary sweat gland inflammation: Bacterial infection of the underarm sweat glands causes inflammation. The inflammatory stimulation leads to abnormal secretion from the sweat glands, altering sweat composition. After bacterial decomposition, this produces a strong odor, often accompanied by symptoms such as redness and pain in the armpit. Treatment should involve the use of fusidic acid cream, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and potassium permanganate solution under a doctor's guidance to control the infection.

4. Diabetic ketoacidosis: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in diabetes lead to excessive fat breakdown, producing large amounts of ketones. Some ketones are excreted through sweat, producing an odor similar to body odor, accompanied by symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination. Doctors typically prescribe insulin injection, potassium chloride injection, and sodium bicarbonate injection to correct metabolic disturbances.

5. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolism, leading to increased sweating. The increased sweat production and altered composition in the armpits result in body odor after bacterial decomposition, often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and hand tremors. Treatment should involve the use of methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol tablets under a doctor's guidance to regulate thyroid function.

In daily life, maintaining good hygiene habits is important, including regular bathing and frequent clothing changes. Avoid consuming excessive spicy or irritating foods. If body odor symptoms persist without improvement or are accompanied by other discomforts, timely medical consultation and examination are necessary to identify the underlying cause and initiate targeted treatment.