Status of Hormones, Vitamins and Minerals in Melasma Patients

Background: Melasma is localised hyperpigmentation overthe forehead, upper lips, cheeks, and chin. The exact cause of melasma is not known but number of contributing factors may play an important role. Several studies have highlighted the alteration in hormones but veryfew onvitamins and minerals in such patients. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the status of various parameters viz. Hormones, Vitamins and Minerals in melasma patients and to find any aetiological association. Study design: Prospective case controlled study. Participants: 200 patients with melasma were evaluated for status of various hormone (oestrogen, Progesterone, T3 ,T4 ,TSH and Testosterone), Vitamins (vit. 812 and folic acid) and minerals (calcium and iron) and compared with 50 age matched healthy controls. Results: We found "Malar" as commonest pattern of melasma in 67.5% cases and predominantly epidermal type. There was significantly higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone and lower levels of testosterone in melasma patients. Serum iron levels were also significantly lower in melasmic subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that there is definite association between hormonal imbalance (oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone) and melasma not only in women whose melasma develops after pregnancy or after ingestion of oral contraceptive but also in other women and men.