Sweating

[JustineM]

May be a weird question but for those MTF on HRT, have you noticed a change in the way you sweat? I’m not currently on hormones, though I have an appt with my endocrine next month ??. I’ve always been a heavy sweater and wondered if it would change on hormones.

[Jani]

I think your body will react differently under the use of Estrogen.   While I never perspired much, its nearly non-existent now unless I am doing something physically demanding.   YRMV! 

[Susan R]

Just now, JustineM said:

May be a weird question but for those MTF on HRT, have you noticed a change in the way you sweat? I’m not currently on hormones, though I have an appt with my endocrine next month ??. I’ve always been a heavy sweater and wondered if it would change on hormones.

Hi Justine,  I can't speak for anyone else but that was one of the first things my wife and I noticed that changed starting on HRT.  The first thing I noticed was skin softening changes.  But the very next change I noticed was my sweating.  There was a major decrease in the amount of sweating along with the change from a masculine scent to a feminine scent.  About 6 weeks in, I was in bed and my wife had her head on my shoulder and she popped her head up and said, "you know what's wierd?, you don't smell musky anymore."  I asked her what I smell like and she said a much sweeter scent....sorta like a sweet Vidalia onion (one of our favorite salad dressing flavors).   After exercising that day and before taking my shower, I noticed the difference too...it did sort of have the scent of a sweet Vidalia onion.  It's the closest scent I can connect to it.

 

The decrease in the amount of sweat, in my case, can be at least partially attributed to my weight loss but I've heard others say they don't sweat near as much as they once did either after being on hormones.  The effect is real.

 

Also, my craving for salt has decreased a bit too as my body no longer needs as much.  I still love salt, don't get me wrong, but I don't use near as much these days.  

 

On a related note,  the animals in my neighborhood seem much friendlier to me since starting hormones.  Two little Chawawa dogs that used to bark when I passed and never let me get close are now my best friends...go figure!  I believe this has a lot to do with the decrease in the heavier musky scent I once had.

 

But as Jani says though..."your mileage may vary"

 

Susan R?

[JustineM]

Thanks. I am overweight right now so I know that plays a factor, but I will be sweating so heavily, especially if I have to wear my body armor. ? It will probably be a while before I can start HRT, as I haven’t even been able to meet with a therapist yet. 

[Ellora]

The first really noticeable thing for me was Smell and Sweat. I was a sweater, lol , no matter my weight, I would sweat sweat sweat. Also the pits, I had to wear deodorant, had to, ?. After, as in withing almost less than a week, the smell STOPPED! Plus the profuse sweating STOPPED! I am still verrrrrry happy about that, especially the smell. My pits do not smell. I still find it funny. Even my friend finds it amazing. And grateful too ? I’ve noticed more skin softening now. 

 

[michelle_kitten]

Just like others, I noticed a difference in the way I smell.  For me, sweating has changed in a couple of ways for a couple of reasons.  I do think I sweat much less from the Estrogen.  Also, I've learned to moisturize my face.  I was talking to a cosmetologist and he asked me if I had oil skin on my face.  I told him Exxon Oil was currently surveying my cheeks for possible wells.  He explained washing good and moisturizing afterward reduces your body's need to excrete sweat and oil.  It is counter intuitive, after trying it I was sold.  I've been doing faithfully since.

 

Like many of you, the slightest increase in temperature, or any exertion resulted in bucket loads of sweat.   I could soak a shirt and had to keep a rag at hand to wipe the sweat rolling off my forehead into my face at any provocation.  Having less of that is totally a bonus!

 

My skin is softer as well.  Much softer.

 

3 hours ago, JustineM said:

May be a weird question but for those MTF on HRT, have you noticed a change in the way you sweat?

 

Not a weird question at all.  The only weird or stupid question is the one you never ask.  If you're going to go on hormones, that's kind of a big deal.  I asked all sorts of questions, did tons of reading, and had a preliminary question and answer session with my doctor before even starting.