Which female hormone causes hyperpigmentation?

Author: Dr. Anahi Dietrich  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin.

What hormone imbalance causes hyperpigmentation?

Skin problems

Changes in hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, can also cause hyperpigmentation — dark patches on the skin. It's most likely to occur on the neck, groin and under the breasts.

Which hormone is responsible for pigmentation?

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone describes a group of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and skin cells. It is important for protecting the skin from UV rays, development of pigmentation and control of appetite.

Does high or low estrogen cause melasma?

While the relationship between high estrogen levels and melasma is complex and not fully understood, evidence suggests that high estrogen levels may sometimes trigger or exacerbate melasma.

How do you stop hormonal hyperpigmentation?

using a topical cream that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxide. using another medication for other types of hyperpigmentation, such as hydroquinone. using camouflage makeup until melasma fades. having a procedure such as a chemical peel, microneedling, or laser or light treatment.

Hormones: Melasma & Your Skin

How to tell if pigmentation is hormonal?

Every skin is different of course but hormonal pigmentation tends to present itself as blotchy, brown patches or freckle-like spots (called macules) with an irregular border.

What does high estrogen face look like?

In women, feminine facial shape (e.g., small jaw, small nose, and reduced interocular distance) is linked to higher estrogen (see Law Smith et al., 2006) and superior immune function (Foo et al., 2020 While the face might be the center of our visual attention, the human body contains numerous morphological features - ...

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What vitamin deficiency causes melasma?

While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Which hormone lightens skin?

“After a couple of weeks the side with the drug is noticeably quite a bit darker than the other side,” Ridky said, pointing. The estrogen darkens skin. Progesterone lightens it.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

Changes in estrogen levels
  • Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. ...
  • Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. ...
  • Thinning tissues may cause discomfort. Skin may appear more wrinkled.

How do I reset my hormones?

Regularly getting a full, undisturbed night's rest may help the body regulate hormone levels.
  1. Avoiding too much light at night. ...
  2. Managing stress. ...
  3. Exercising. ...
  4. Eating healthy fats. ...
  5. Eating lots of fiber. ...
  6. Eating plenty of fatty fish. ...
  7. Avoiding overeating. ...
  8. Quitting smoking.

What can I drink to balance my female hormones?

Spearmint tea is delicious, refreshing and has been shown to have numerous health benefits, particularly for women dealing with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. This tea contains compounds that have been found to help regulate hormone levels and reduce androgen levels in women, which can lead to improved symptoms.

How do I know if I need more estrogen or progesterone?

If you have a very light period that only lasts a few days and barely requires a pad, this indicates that estrogen may be low. If estrogen is too low to support ovulation, then progesterone will be low as well.

What can be mistaken for melasma?

Skin conditions commonly confused with melasma include: Actinic lichen planus and lichen planus. Drug-induced pigmentation. Guttate hypomelanosis.

What happens if you take progesterone without estrogen?

Even without estrogen, progesterone offers essential protection. Progesterone has been shown to effectively reduce both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, two of the most common menopausal symptoms.

Does low progesterone cause belly fat?

Does Progesterone cause belly fat? Although progesterone doesn't cause belly fat, one of the side effects of progesterone can be weight gain. As we age, hormonal disruptions like progesterone levels dropping faster than estrogen levels can impact belly fat too.

Which hormone is called the beauty hormone?

Estrogen is often considered the “beauty hormone” due to its positive effects on skin. It plays a vital role in: Collagen production: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity by stimulating collagen production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.

What does estrogen deficient skin look like?

Estrogen Deficient Skin can experience up to a 1.1% decline in skin thickness each year after menopause. Changes to skin around the eyes. Under-eye creping and wrinkles are attributable to estrogen deficiency, along with puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.

What fades hyperpigmentation the fastest?

Three types of skincare treatments fade hyperpigmentation marks fast:
  • Physical exfoliants.
  • Chemical exfoliants.
  • Brightening actives such as vitamin C, kojic acid, liquorice extract.

Which vitamin removes pigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

Is CeraVe good for hyperpigmentation?

For those looking to reduce pigmentation on the face, our vitamin C serum is expertly formulated to help visibly reduce hyperpigmentation. Our CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum for Anti-Ageing is enriched with 10% pure vitamin C to visibly brighten and even out your skin tone.

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