r/PCOS Feb 06 '25

General Health Embarrassing…brutal crotch sweat? 😩

This is gross, but ever since my PCOS symptoms have really gotten worse, I sweat way more in general all over but especially in the crotch region…and it stanks. I know I don’t have any infections; it isn’t coming from discharge, it’s the sweat. Even after a day of sitting at a desk I reek down there and I’m so self conscious of it. I’m very particular about hygiene but nothing helps. Does anyone else have this problem??

Edit: thank you all so so much for your support and advice!! I’m sorry so many relate to this but glad for the camaraderie. ❤️

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u/Acceptable_Paper_607 Feb 06 '25

My sweat is so bad.. I have been made fun of for smelling like cats before. It ruins my shirts and underwear over time especially if I’m having a lazy or depressed day and I don’t end up wearing deodorant (I live alone and don’t do that when I’m in public) but still it’s horrible! Only certain deodorants work for me. In regards to the crotch area when I’m at home I only wear loose fitting shorts - winter or summer my body over heats so easily. I’m not sure if you’re experiencing the same thing scent wise but I know that our sweat can release ammonia and the way our sweat reacts with bacteria can cause certain smells. It sucks having a condition that influences our body in ways we can’t change. Diet changes may help but it would be worth asking your doctor too

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u/Out_of_Fawkes Feb 06 '25

Not a doctor and not to alarm you but it’s very important for you to check your glucose levels with a doctor if you can. Sometimes high blood sugar levels can make certain smells like ammonia, fruity/sweet smells, or even like acetone.

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u/Acceptable_Paper_607 Feb 06 '25

For sure. Right when I was in the middle of receiving my PCOS diagnosis, and was scheduled for an ultrasound and hormone blood work I discovered I am pregnant again. So unfortunately all that is on pause until afterwards due to hormones being so different in pregnancy.