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Strong Body Odor, Feels Hungry And Thirsty, Hypothyroidism

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Posted on Sat, 26 May 2012
Question: Workouts Cause Nail Polish and Musty Earthy Smell

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I noticed that after I exercise, whether light or heavy, I develop a very strong, putrid body odor that has an earthy-musty smell or sometimes a "nail polish" smell. It is not the smell of regular BO. The smell usually occurs several hours after a workout, usually the following day (about 12 hours later). And it usually lasts from 20 minutes to several hours. Yes, I shower, have good hygiene, don't seat excessively, and don't have anything in my nose! Symptoms also include being excessively hungry and thirsty. Tests for diabetes and liver disease have come up negative. My symptoms have been going on for approximately 8 months. I usually work out 5-6 days a week. When I stop working out for a day or two, the odors disappear completely. But they re-occur when I exercise, even light exercise. I've been recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I stopped working out for the last 10 days and have had no symptoms. I know that once I start back at the gym my symptoms will return. Any ideas as to what I may be experiencing? I am scheduled for an MRI next month. Bottom line: there is a direct correlation between me working out and these odd body odors.
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. Kumaravel (47 hours later)
Hello,

I do understand that you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and your concern seems to be related to odd body odors.

I would just like to know whether you are taking any thyroid medicines and also your blood thyroid values, but I don't feel your thyroid should be responsible for your bad odors.

Some of people with unexplained body odor may actually have an inherited metabolic disorder that impairs their ability to metabolize a compound. This problem is caused by excessive amino acids being secreted during exercise.
The hereditary disorder is called trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a disease that impairs the ability of an enzyme to metabolize or transform the compound trimethylamine.

This requires a further evaluation by a metabolic disorder specialist.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards,
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. V. Kumaravel

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 297 Questions

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Strong Body Odor, Feels Hungry And Thirsty, Hypothyroidism

Hello,

I do understand that you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and your concern seems to be related to odd body odors.

I would just like to know whether you are taking any thyroid medicines and also your blood thyroid values, but I don't feel your thyroid should be responsible for your bad odors.

Some of people with unexplained body odor may actually have an inherited metabolic disorder that impairs their ability to metabolize a compound. This problem is caused by excessive amino acids being secreted during exercise.
The hereditary disorder is called trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a disease that impairs the ability of an enzyme to metabolize or transform the compound trimethylamine.

This requires a further evaluation by a metabolic disorder specialist.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards,