When Hormones Attack: Melasma

Hormones affect women at the most pivotal times in life: during the tumultuous teenage years, during and after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during menopause.

It’s not enough that the hormones completely disrupt our emotions and internal systems of the body. Hormones sometimes also choose to announce their presence to the world by showing up as spots or patches of hyperpigmentation (dark pigment) on the skin. There are several types of hyperpigmentation that have different causes, but this type is called melasma. Since melasma often accompanies pregnancy or pregnancy-related hormones, it is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” or “pregnancy mask”.

Melasma almost always appears on the face with a specific and symmetrical mask-like pattern. This “mask” often covers the forehead, cheeks, chin, jawline, and upper lip. The severity amount of pigment varies based on how much melanin pigment the person naturally has in their skin. Those with lighter complexions are affected less, while those with more pigmented complexions (people of Latin/Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent) are more prone to develop this condition.

Not just a mask of pregnancy

Although melasma is best known for affecting women during and after pregnancy, it is not exclusive to it. Women who take birth control hormones at any point during their lives, as well as women who are anywhere around the age of menopause are also often affected.

Melasma is a self-limiting condition, meaning it will eventually fade on its own once the hormones have subsided, but will often return once the hormones become unbalanced again due to another life event or medication. Not all, but some women will exhibit some degree of melasma for years; for example if they go from taking birth control hormones, to becoming pregnant, to breastfeeding, back to birth control hormones, maybe having subsequent pregnancies, right into perimenopause or menopause.

Melasma is primarily a condition that affects females because of the abundance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, however 10 percent of men get some form of it as well.

Are hormones the only cause?

Article Author: Rachael Pontillo

I am a mom, licensed aesthetician, and holistic health coach. I also hold a B.S. in Architectural Studies and have years of work experience in various aspects of sales, marketing, and publishing. I am the author of the blog Holistically Haute, which …

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