Why Does My Wife Smell Like Mothballs? Understanding the Causes

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to dermatologists, changes in body odor are often a natural sign of underlying shifts, not necessarily poor hygiene.

Understanding these changes is key, especially when you find yourself asking, "Why does my wife smell like mothballs?" This symptom can be a signal of various factors, some of which require attention.

Quick Summary

A mothball-like scent can be a concerning symptom linked to specific medical issues like liver or kidney dysfunction, diabetes, or even dietary habits. Consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis is crucial for understanding the root cause and determining the best course of action.

Key Points

Medical Causes: A mothball or ammonia-like smell can indicate serious medical conditions like liver or kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes (ketoacidosis).
Diet and Medications: High-protein diets and certain medications can cause changes in body odor due to altered metabolic processes.
Non-Medical Factors: Poor laundry practices or persistent odors in clothing can mimic a body odor issue.
When to See a Doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if the odor is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or changes in urination.
Systematic Approach: Address lifestyle factors first (diet, hydration, laundry) before assuming a medical cause.
Open Communication: A sensitive and honest discussion is crucial for addressing the issue effectively.

Exploring the Reasons for an Unusual Body Odor

Changes in a person's body odor can be unsettling and are often a sign that something is changing within the body. While it can be tempting to jump to conclusions, it's important to approach this topic with sensitivity and a focus on understanding the potential root causes. A mothball-like smell can arise from a number of medical and non-medical reasons, and a systematic approach is the best way to uncover the truth.

Potential Medical Conditions

Certain medical issues can cause a distinct, pungent odor. The mothball or ammonia-like smell is often associated with problems in how the body processes waste products. It's crucial to consult a doctor if you suspect any of these underlying health conditions.

Liver or Kidney Dysfunction

The liver and kidneys are vital for filtering toxins and waste from the bloodstream. When these organs are not functioning properly, waste products like ammonia can build up in the body and be expelled through the breath and skin. Ammonia is a chemical that has a strong, pungent odor, and some people may describe this smell as similar to mothballs or urine. This condition requires a medical diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare professional.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. This condition can lead to a distinctive, fruity, or chemical smell on the breath and body. In some cases, people unfamiliar with the scent of ketones may describe it as smelling like mothballs. DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Trimethylaminuria (Fish Odor Syndrome)

This is a rare genetic disorder that causes a person to emit a strong body odor, often described as smelling like rotting fish. The odor is caused by the body's inability to break down trimethylamine (TMA), a compound found in certain foods. While the typical description is "fishy," the smell can vary between individuals and might be mistaken for other pungent chemicals, like those found in mothballs.

Hormonal Shifts

Fluctuations in hormones can significantly alter a person's body chemistry, which in turn affects body odor. For women, hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to changes in the composition of sweat. This can result in a different, sometimes stronger, scent that might be perceived as unusual.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Not all changes in body odor are medically related. Lifestyle and environmental factors can also play a significant role. These are often easier to identify and address than underlying medical conditions.

Dietary Influences

The food we eat has a direct impact on our body's chemistry. Foods rich in sulfur compounds, like garlic, onions, and some cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), can be broken down and released through sweat glands, creating a strong odor. High-protein diets can also lead to the production of ammonia as the body breaks down protein, which, as mentioned earlier, can smell like mothballs.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications can alter a person's body odor. These include some antidepressants, drugs for specific medical conditions, and even vitamins and supplements. The changes are often a side effect of the drug's impact on metabolism. A pharmacist or doctor can provide information on potential side effects.

Clothing and Laundry Practices

Sometimes, the source of the smell isn't from the body at all. Poorly laundered clothing, especially workout gear, can trap bacteria and cause a persistent odor. Furthermore, using certain detergents or fabric softeners could contribute to a chemical scent. Ensure clothes are washed thoroughly and dried completely. Persistent odors in clothes may require a change in laundry detergent or using a laundry sanitizer.

Actionable Steps to Take

If you're noticing an unusual odor, here are some practical steps to consider before jumping to medical conclusions.

Monitor her diet: Pay attention to any new foods or changes in her diet. Eliminating specific foods for a short period may help pinpoint a dietary cause.
Review medications: If she has started a new medication or supplement, review the side effects with a pharmacist.
Encourage hydration: Ensure she is drinking enough water. Dehydration can concentrate waste products in the body and affect odor.
Evaluate laundry habits: Ensure all laundry is being washed and dried properly. Consider using different products.
Use different hygiene products: Sometimes, a change in body wash or soap can make a difference. Opt for natural, unscented products to avoid chemical interactions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While some causes are harmless, it is always wise to consult a doctor, especially if the odor is accompanied by other symptoms. The following table compares some common medical and non-medical causes, highlighting key differentiating factors.


Feature	Liver/Kidney Issues	High-Protein Diet	Medication Side Effect	Clothing Odor
Onset	Gradual, persistent	Appears after diet change	Starts with new medication	Comes and goes with clothes
Scent	Ammonia-like, urine-like	Ammonia-like	Varies by medication	Can be musty or chemical
Additional Symptoms	Fatigue, jaundice, swelling	May have GI issues	Specific to the drug	None
Primary Cause	Internal organ dysfunction	Dietary breakdown of protein	Metabolic changes from drugs	External bacteria/laundry

Symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit

Persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.
Changes in urination frequency or color.
A fruity breath odor, especially if there is a history of diabetes.
Any other new, concerning symptoms that appear alongside the odor.

For more information on symptoms and diagnosis, it's recommended to consult authoritative health sources, such as the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

An unusual body odor can have many possible causes, from harmless dietary changes to more serious medical conditions. Approaching the situation with care and open communication is essential. By methodically investigating the possibilities—starting with simple lifestyle factors and moving towards medical consultation if necessary—you can find the answer. The key is not to jump to conclusions but to work together to address the issue. Open communication with a healthcare provider is always the safest and most effective path to a resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, certain diets, particularly those high in protein, can cause a distinct, ammonia-like scent. As the body breaks down excess protein, it produces ammonia, which is then expelled through sweat, potentially leading to an odor described as similar to mothballs.

Medical conditions most often linked to a mothball-like or ammonia scent include liver and kidney diseases, as these organs are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. When they malfunction, toxins like ammonia can build up and be released through the skin.

To differentiate, check if the odor is consistently present or only when she wears specific items. Washing clothes thoroughly with a laundry sanitizer and ensuring they are fully dried can help eliminate clothing-related odors. If the smell persists regardless of what she wears, it's more likely a body-related issue.

Yes, menopause involves significant hormonal shifts that can affect body temperature regulation and sweat production. These changes can lead to an altered body odor that may be different or more potent than before.

If you suspect the odor is linked to a medical condition, the most important step is to consult a healthcare professional. Provide a detailed account of any other symptoms, lifestyle changes, or medications to help them make an accurate diagnosis.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, some natural approaches include increasing water intake to flush out toxins, reducing high-protein or sulfurous foods, and using natural, breathable fabrics. However, these are only effective if the cause is lifestyle-related and not a serious medical condition.

Addressing a sensitive topic like body odor requires tact and care. Frame the conversation from a place of concern for her health rather than criticism. Express that you've noticed a change and are concerned it might be a sign of a health issue, and suggest seeking a medical opinion together.