Does low estrogen cause melasma?

A woman who is postmenopausal and given progesterone may develop melasma, while those who are given estrogen alone do not; this implicates progesterone as playing a primary role in the development of melasma.

Can estrogen pills cause melasma?

While any birth control brand that contains estrogen or progesterone can put you at risk for developing melasma, those with lower doses of hormones are found to be less likely to cause it.

How does estrogen affect melasma?

When it comes to melasma, research has found that elevated levels of estrogen, and to a lesser degree elevated progesterone levels, are associated with increased skin pigmentation.

Does estrogen help melasma?

Some studies have shown that the skin of people with melasma is more responsive to the hormone estrogen than the skin of people who don’t have melasma. The same is true for progesterone, another hormone common in oral contraceptives. One of the earliest studies on melasma and oral contraceptives was conducted in 1967.

Can low estrogen cause hyperpigmentation?

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin. Generally, the changes happen in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when the serum levels of sex hormones are at their peak.

Will melasma go away when I stop the pill?

Will melasma go away if I go off birth control? If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade.

Do all birth control pills cause melasma?

It depends on your preferences when it comes to contraception. There are many options available, including both non-hormonal and hormonal methods. Some women find a progesterone-only hormonal birth control is better for managing melasma compared with those containing estrogen.

How can I tell if I have low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:

  • Dry skin.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Weak or brittle bones.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Moodiness and irritability.
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).