What should you know about melasma perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition before periods stop, and hormone levels can vary during this stage. Melasma is a separate pigment condition that produces flat tan, brown, or grey-brown patches, often across the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Hormonal shifts may make pigment more likely in some people, while sunlight and visible light can deepen it.

Perimenopause may also involve irregular periods, heavier bleeding, missed periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, or reduced sexual desire. These symptoms do not confirm that a facial mark is melasma. A clinician can consider your skin pattern, medicines, pregnancy possibility, and other causes of pigmentation.

Build a daily light-protection routine with sunscreen used as directed, shade, a hat, and clothing when outdoors. Avoid harsh scrubs, picking, and products that sting, since irritation can intensify uneven colour. Notice whether heat, strong light, or a new product changes the patches.

A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment choices, including prescription topical medicines or procedures. Treatment should be matched to your skin and health history. If periods are changing, record bleeding patterns and medicines so your clinician can address skin and perimenopause concerns together without assuming one explains every symptom.

Arrange a prompt skin review if the mark is one-sided, rapidly changing, raised, scaly, crusted, bleeding, painful, or unlike the usual flat patch pattern. Stop a new product and seek advice for blistering, marked swelling, severe burning, or a rash that spreads.

Ask whether the pigmentation fits melasma, whether another diagnosis should be excluded, and which light protection and treatments are appropriate. Ask how any hormonal medicine, contraception, pregnancy possibility, heavy bleeding, or irregular periods should affect the plan.