Sarcouncil Journal of Internal Medicine and Public Health

Abstract: Background: Uneven brown macules symmetrically distributed over sun-exposed parts of the face are the hallmark of melasma, a chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the facial skin. Melasma is known to be triggered by a number of conditions, including sun exposure, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and other steroids, ovarian tumors, intestinal parasites, hepatopathies, hormone replacement therapy, the use of cosmetics and photosensitizing medications, procedures, inflammatory processes of the skin, and stressful events. Aim of the study: To evaluate the relationship between melasma and female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) with some epidemiological data. Material and methods: Two hundred and forty-four female patients with melasma were seen in a private clinic in Kalar City and Bquba Teaching Hospital during the period from 15th January 2018 to 15th October 2018. Their ages ranged from 20 – 45 years, with a mean age of 29.38 years. They were fully interrogated regarding age, occupation, outdoor working, marital status, number of pregnancies, menstrual cycle, uses of contraceptive pills, any history of hormonal and corticosteroid therapy, and family history of the same disease. Forty patients were investigated for female sex hormone levels. Results: The study shows normal values of both estrogen and progesterone levels at different phases of the menstrual cycle, which means female sex hormones had no role in the etiology of melasma in non-pregnant women, and the other etiological factors were important, particulary sunlight exposure. Fifty percent had a positive family history of melasma, (71%) centerofacial, (21%) malar, (8%) mandibular, (70%) had frequent sunlight exposure, (20%) pregnant, and (10%) used compound contraception pills (COC). Conclusion: The values of female sex hormones were normal, which means of no important role in the etiology of the disease.