Melasma: How hormones can modulate skin pigmentation

Summary We described—along with a genetic predisposition and exposure to sunlight, as the main factors for melasma development—pregnancy, hormonal therapies, and oral contraceptive pills. Whilst hormonal alteration or therapies are frequently reported in literature in association with melasma, studies analyzing the laboratoristic correlation are limited. We review data published on hormones variations both in women and males with melasma and report some peculiar clinical cases that further demonstrate how the relationship between hormone secretion and melasma development is difficult to be defined.