Understanding Melasma After Menopause: Will It Disappear or Persist?

Updated on: 05th January, 2023

Uneven skin tone, brown or greyish patches on the face, and the constant struggle to cover up those persistent marks – melasma can be a frustrating skin condition that affects many individuals, particularly women.

As menopause approaches, many women may wonder if their melasma will fade or improve. In this article, we will explore the relationship between melasma and menopause and shed light on whether melasma goes away after menopause.

Melasma, a common skin condition characterised by brown or greyish patches on the face, is closely linked to hormonal changes in the body. Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, play a significant role in melasma development. This is commonly observed during pregnancy or while on birth control pills. 

Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life when hormonal fluctuations occur, and then start settling. It is a phase where the body goes through a natural decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen is known to play a role in production and distribution of melanin pigment in the skin. Higher levels of estrogen have shown to trigger melasma in some women. So it could be expected that a decrease in the levels of estrogen can  cause changes in melasma. 

However, hormonal changes during menopause differ from during pregnancy, and melasma may not necessarily disappear after menopause.

Some women may notice that their melasma improves after menopause, as lower estrogen levels may lead to less pigmentation in the skin. However, for others, menopause may not necessarily result in the disappearance of melasma.

Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help prevent melasma from worsening due to sun exposure.

There are various topical creams available, such as those containing hydroquinone, retinoids, or other depigmenting agents; a dermatologist may prescribe that to help lighten the dark patches of melasma. A melasma doctor can help to determine the best topical treatment based on your condition.

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy are some of the cosmetic procedures a melasma doctor can perform to reduce the appearance of melasma.

Hormone replacement therapy, which involves replacing the declining hormones with synthetic hormones, may be considered in certain cases to manage menopause symptoms, including melasma.

Want to know does melasma go away after menopause? Book your consultation with Clear Skin Pune. Our experienced dermatologist will provide personalised recommendations tailored to your specific needs. 

So, don’t let melasma hold you back take control of your skin health and embrace a confident, radiant you with Clear Skin Clinics Pune!