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 ovanan 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, prolactine, testostrone and
17
hydroxy
progestrone 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:
results confirms the
These
possible role of ovarian cysts or another
common etiologic factor in melasma. More studies are required in this subject.