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Are changes in smell of sweat and urine normal?

Started by Matthew, February 23, 2016, 04:38:06 PM

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Matthew

Just wondering, but tonight my partner mentioned something to me. I'm not a super sweaty guy, but I'm often shirtless which means there's nothing to hide any potential stank. Tonight they mentioned to me that my sweat smells different, specifically more pungent, which isn't a personal hygiene thing because I showered yesterday and use plenty of spray.

With the conversation that stemmed from that, they said the same about the smell of my urine, which they had noticed when using the restroom after me.

I've also noticed changes in body hair, facial hair, voice ect.

I'm guessing that with evidence of testosterone being effective, if the changes in odour are also due to T levels rising, however I'm not 100% sure on that.


Anyone know anything?
Thanks in advance
  •  

Obfuskatie

Yes, testosterone probably caused your sweat (made from urea) and urine to smell different. I'm not sure about the science behind it, but I know HRT going either way causes changes in our odor.  I don't know how long it takes to cause a significant difference, I think it depends on your body's tolerance of the hormone and delivery method.


     Hugs,
- Katie
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If people are what they eat, I really need to stop eating such neurotic food  :icon_shakefist:
  •  

Dex

My wife commented that I smelled different within a week or so of starting T. I didn't notice a difference and it wasn't hygiene (at least I didn't change anything in my routine). She did say it was a pretty distinct difference but she is pretty sensitive to smell.  It wasn't an issue or anything, she just said for a few weeks that I smelled different. I imagine she got used to the change over time as she didn't mention it anymore after that.

I did notice my urine smelled different, though.

I think this is normal from what I've heard.  Hormones definitely play a role in your chemical make up and that can affect all kinds of things.
  •  

Laura_7

Women usually have a much better sense of smell.

Usually MTF people report their sense of smell increased, and body odours decreased, with sweat being less prone to smell.

Well imo its simply part of how the body is set up.
If T is increased body odours might change and increase.
By the way there are many people who reported that their animals reacted different for a time.
So they realize it too.


*hugs*
  •  

Matthew

In
Quote from: Obfuskatie on February 23, 2016, 04:51:32 PM
Yes, testosterone probably caused your sweat (made from urea) and urine to smell different.

Ah, I didn't know this :) thanks!

Quote from: Dex on February 23, 2016, 05:02:45 PM
I did notice my urine smelled different, though.

I noticed this a while back but thought it may have been due to diet or dehydration - T levels better explain it

Quote from: Laura_7 on February 23, 2016, 05:40:22 PM
Usually MTF people report their sense of smell increased, and body odours decreased, with sweat being less prone to smell.

This would make sense - my partner is femme and I'm a guy, so I hadn't been able to smell any differences. Interesting :)
  •  

Elis

I've heard your pheromones do change so that may be it. I noticed I'm now slightly sweatier even though like you I use lots of spray. I've also noticed I feel a lot warmer than I did before T. Haven't heard of any other trans guys experiencing that though. I haven't noticed the urine thing yet.
They/them pronouns preferred.



  •  

blink

Yes.
This guy wrote an interesting article on the subject. http://americantransman.com/2010/09/13/why-transitioning-with-testosterone-tends-to-transform-transmens-scent/

I don't remember if he covered a secondary aspect to this in the article. Many of us change eating habits after starting T. What you eat affects how you smell, too. Certain foods have stronger effects, and if consumed regularly will certainly have an effect on how someone smells.
  •  

Magnus

Absolutely. It's due to Androstenone (one of many Testosterone + 5a-reductase derivatives).

Interestingly, some guys smell worse for it... and the other lucky sods, smell better for it. It depends in part on genetics, and the other part, on individual perception of pheromones (a minority can't actually smell it at all).


  •  

FtMitch

Quote from: Elis on February 23, 2016, 08:58:03 PM
I've heard your pheromones do change so that may be it. I noticed I'm now slightly sweatier even though like you I use lots of spray. I've also noticed I feel a lot warmer than I did before T. Haven't heard of any other trans guys experiencing that though. I haven't noticed the urine thing yet.

I also feel warmer on T.  I used to be cold all the time, and now I am fine.  I have been told by a doctor that women are generally colder than men for some reason...at least until they hit menopause.
(Started T November 4, 2015)
  •  

Alexthecat

Quote from: FtMitch on February 26, 2016, 09:23:04 AM
I also feel warmer on T.  I used to be cold all the time, and now I am fine.  I have been told by a doctor that women are generally colder than men for some reason...at least until they hit menopause.
I run colder than other people to the point I can wear a hoodie in hot weather but it makes winter really cold. I hope T will fix that in me.

  •  

Matthew

Not heard of the temperature thing before, although it fits - female friends have been complaining about the cold weather lately and I haven't really noticed it. My issue is humidity and heat - if it's over 20 Celsius I'm drained :P
  •  

Jayne

Regardless of which direction your transition is going the hrt effects body chemistry (the science is waaay above my pay grade).
How much & how fast body smells change vary from each individual.

Pre hrt I used to wake up and dash to the bathroom to scrub off the stank! The day after starting hrt I was no longer offended by my body's smell.
I've spoken to others who say it took days, weeks & even months for body smells to change.
  •  

2fish

Yes, my pee smells bad. It often smells like what I had to eat. Pork, coffee and beef. I can smell it in my pee. It is gross but oh well. I shower every 12 hours or so (minimum 2 times per day with the max being 4 in the summer). My body smell has changed. Also, I will sweat but not stink like pre t. This was an interesting change for me.

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  •  

KarlMars

Quote from: Matthew on February 23, 2016, 04:38:06 PM
Just wondering, but tonight my partner mentioned something to me. I'm not a super sweaty guy, but I'm often shirtless which means there's nothing to hide any potential stank. Tonight they mentioned to me that my sweat smells different, specifically more pungent, which isn't a personal hygiene thing because I showered yesterday and use plenty of spray.

With the conversation that stemmed from that, they said the same about the smell of my urine, which they had noticed when using the restroom after me.

I've also noticed changes in body hair, facial hair, voice ect.

I'm guessing that with evidence of testosterone being effective, if the changes in odour are also due to T levels rising, however I'm not 100% sure on that.


Anyone know anything?
Thanks in advance

You look great. How long have you been on T?

rachel89

I would think that urine changes with diet, hydration, and medical conditions, and maybe hormonal balance, but sweat is a different story. Yes, when you have T in your body, your body odor changes a lot. It gets a lot stronger, despite good hygiene, I found my own body odor to be repulsive to me from puberty until I had been on spironolactone for a several weeks, now it is much less, and different. I notice that I rarely need deodorant now, and its just different. So yes, the T is changing the smell of your sweat, although diet can also play a role.


  •  

Matthew

Quote from: alienbodybuilder on February 28, 2016, 02:18:43 AM
You look great. How long have you been on T?

Alas, the pic is of Rob Flynn from Machine Head (my favourite band) and not of myself. :P


Quote from: rachel89 on February 28, 2016, 02:49:31 AM
I notice that I rarely need deodorant now

These past few days I've noticed it myself, and it seems that I need loads more deodorant - my usual one long spray in the morning leaves me stinky by the afternoon :<
  •  

rachel89

Just a couple tips for the guys. I notice a lot of guys like to use a lot of spray deodorant like Axe or take multiple showers in a day. In my experience from back then, spray didn't work that well and was a poor substitute for aftershave. If you don't have problems with allergies or breakouts, you are much better off using a stick or gel with antiperspirant and a common scent that is not super noticeable. If you want something noticeable, I would go for decent aftershave or cologne (it doesn't have to be super expensive, knock-offs can be almost identical, and not all decent ones are super expensive). Use a very small amount on your neck, just enough to be noticeable to those near you, but not enough that people notice beyond the friend zone or middle of the social zone of personal space because it can convey poor taste or lack of refinement and others may be allergic. As for the showers, I would not recommend  more than one a day unless you are getting sweaty or dirty, and try to limit it to twice a day then. Even though your skin is more oily, you easily dry it out that way and it can be miserable when you do. I used to take a shower every other day in winter and just wash my armpits and lower area to keep from drying out unless I was working. Basically you just have to get used to your new body odor and not go much beyond ordinary decent hygiene. Beyond ordinary hygiene, probably the best way to manage body odor is diet. If  you find it problematic, it may help to reduce/avoid red meat, garlic/onions, alcohol, cumin, or heavily processed/junk foods.


  •  

KarlMars

Quote from: Matthew on February 28, 2016, 04:26:16 AM
Alas, the pic is of Rob Flynn from Machine Head (my favourite band) and not of myself. :P


These past few days I've noticed it myself, and it seems that I need loads more deodorant - my usual one long spray in the morning leaves me stinky by the afternoon :<

Haha..well I know nothing of him.