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Understanding Melasma and Hormones

Melasma is a common skin condition that appears as dark patches, often appearing on the face. Although there are many factors that cause melasma, one of the main factors is hormonal changes. Understanding how hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy and the use of certain medications, as well as hormonal imbalances, affect melasma can help you effectively manage and prevent it.

Hormones and Melasma: How Are They Related?

Hormones play a key role in regulating many bodily functions, including the production of skin pigments. Melasma is often caused by increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate melanocytes (cells that produce skin pigment) to produce more melanin, resulting in dark spots on the skin.

Melasma and pregnancy

One of the most common causes of melasma related to hormones is pregnancy. Many women develop melasma during pregnancy because their estrogen and progesterone levels increase, causing more melanin to be produced, which results in melasma on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma that occurs during pregnancy may fade after delivery, but in some cases, it can be long-lasting and requires treatment.

Drugs and hormones that affect melasma

Certain medications, particularly birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can cause melasma because they affect the body's hormone levels and result in increased melanin production. Women who develop melasma after starting birth control pills may consider switching to a hormone-free alternative or consult a dermatologist to find the right skin care regimen.

Other hormonal imbalances

In addition to pregnancy and medications, hormonal disorders such as thyroid dysfunction or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute to melasma. Thyroid hormone changes can interfere with melanin production, causing dark spots on the skin. Treating these hormonal disorders may help reduce melasma.

How to deal with hormonal melasma

Although hormonal melasma is difficult to treat, it can be prevented and treated in the following ways:

  • Protect your skin from the sun: Exposure to UV rays can make melasma worse. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher every day.
  • Use of specialized products: Creams containing hydroquinone, retinoids or azelaic acid may help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
  • Hormone Balancing: If possible, choose a non-hormonal birth control method or talk to your doctor about the right hormonal method.
  • Medical treatment: Lasers, chemical treatments, and microneedling are medical treatments that can help reduce melasma.

Hormonal changes have a major effect on the development of melasma, especially during pregnancy and when taking hormone medications. Understanding these factors will help you get your melasma treatment on the right track. Melasma treatment cannot be cured instantly and takes time. If you are wondering whether hormones are affecting your skin health, you should consult a dermatologist for appropriate advice. Contact us for more information about melasma treatment today at Sita Clinic, call. 0824742969

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