Hello all,
I have melasma now that I have started hormone therapy for menopause, and it seems to be in an active phase of spreading, which has me really down. My skin is fair, and though I was on a progestin-only pill for years without much trouble, when I added the estrogen more recently, via a bio-identical patch prescribed by my doctor, melasma began developing more on my cheeks and forehead. I really need the hormones, as my menopause is quite early, and I have been experiencing very severe symptoms. BUT . . . I don't want this melasma to worsen! I wear sunscreen and practice good skincare, but I also like to exercise. I suspect that heat may be an aggravating factor, but I am not sure. Does anyone know if intense exercise can further the spread of melasma? I like to use a rowing machine and exercise bike, and I do some moderate workouts on these, and I also lift free weights.
Also, my doctor has decreased my estrogen dosage (still taking progestin with it) in hopes that the melasma will stabilize. I hope this works. Is it necessary to discontinue hormone therapy completely? Or might a lower dosage not affect the melasma so much? Has anyone had experience with this?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.