Relationship between Melasma, ovarian cysts and androgenic hormones: A case-control study

Background: Melasma is the acquired, gradual and symmetric hyper pigmentation of the face. Melasma has been related to many factors such as pregnancy, genetic, endocrine and sun exposure but the exact relationship to endocrine factors isn’t still clear. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between melasma and polycystic ovarian disease and androgenic hormones. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 101 patients with melasma and 101 control patients referred to the skin clinic of Ardebil University of Medical Sciences. Serum levels of LH, FSH, DHEAS, prolactin, testosterone and 17-hydroxy progesterone were measured and sonography of ovaries was done. Results: The age of the study subjects ranged from 15 to 45 years. There was no significant difference in serum levels of any of hormones between cases and control groups (P<0.05). Ovarian cysts were found in 65.3% of melasma patients and 47.5% of control patients (P=0.01). Conclusion: These results confirm the possible role of ovarian cysts or another common etiologic factor in melasma. More studies are required in this subject.