Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin.
PHILADELPHIA — When skin cells responsible for pigmentation are exposed to estrogen or progesterone, the cells respond by adjusting their melanin production, resulting in either skin darkening or lightening.
Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills) Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.
Acting through melanocortin 1 receptor, α-MSH stimulates the production and release of melanin (a process referred to as melanogenesis) by melanocytes in skin and hair. Acting in the hypothalamus, α-MSH suppresses appetite. α-MSH secreted in the hypothalamus also contributes to sexual arousal.
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.
The primary stimulus for melanogenesis and subsequent melanosome production is UV radiation, which upregulates melanocyte production of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and its downstream products, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.
Your skin can develop darker patches as the result of excess melanin production, typically caused by skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and poor lifestyle choices. Age spots – also known as sun spots and liver spots – can also be signs of skin conditions, such as Melasma.
The incidence of this change varies, and depends on the type of medication involved. Some of the most common drugs involved are NSAIDs, antimalarials, psychotropic drugs, Amiodarone, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, and heavy metals such as silver and gold (which must be ingested, not just worn).
Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.
The estrogen darkens skin. Progesterone lightens it. The process works just as well on cells from men's skin as women's skin.
Thyroid hormone contributes directly to your appearance as you age. Thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails, feeling tired and looking puffy are all results of low thyroid levels.
If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.
Addison's disease: It causes patches of dark skin around skin folds or joints. Diabetes rash: If you have diabetes, you may develop discolored skin patches or spots. Medications: Some medications can cause your skin to lighten or darken. Cancer: Certain cancers or paraneoplastic syndromes can cause pigmentary changes.
How do I get rid of Hormonal Pigmentation? To reduce hormonal pigmentation, one could resort to chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion and other cosmetic procedures. Sunscreen and sun protective lotions must be used regularly since the condition often worsens with excessive exposure to sunlight.
The reversibility of skin discoloration depends on the cause. Dermatologists can recommend treatments such as topical creams, laser therapy, or chemical peels based on the specific condition.
Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills) Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.
What does seem to be the general consensus though in answer to the question, does taking vitamin D help you tan, is that whilst it's probably unlikely that vitamin D supplements darken the skin, being exposed to sunlight helps us to manufacture vitamin D, and in this process, we may also get a tan.
Abstract. Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is usually seen in vegetarians, is characterised by cutaneous, gastrointestinal, neurological and haematological manifestations. Cutaneous manifestations include hyperpigmentation, glossitis and hair changes.
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.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
Melanin is produced in melanocytes. These cells are located in different areas of your body, including: Your hair. The innermost layer of your skin.