Estradiol does have side effects. Let's talk about melasma.
Melasma is the darkening of your skin which is caused by an excess of estrogen, particularly estradiol. Estradiol stimulates melanin, which gives your skin color. When you have excess estradiol, especially in relationship to progesterone, you'll have an increase in melanin, which shows up as dark splotches usually on your face.
These brown to gray-brown patches can be found on the cheeks, chin, bridge of the nose, the forehead, and above the upper lip.
How can you manage this particular estradiol side effect - Melasma?
First make sure you have an adequate amount of progesterone. If you’re estrogen dominant and you’re pre-menopausal, taking progesterone in the second half of the cycle will help. I recommend Gen-Pro® transdermal progesterone cream, at least 100 milligrams twice a day in the second half of your cycle.
If you're post-menopausal on estradiol, you need at least 100 milligrams of progesterone for every one milligram of estradiol.
If you already have melasma, using hydroquinone in a cream or gel form can help to lighten the area. A dermatologist can offer laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion, or micro-abrasion.
Remember to actually reduce melasma you just keep your estrogen and progesterone in balance. Supporting your hypothalamus with Genesis Gold® can help balance all of your hormones.
Any questions? Please join us in our Hormone Reboot Training.
Resources:
https://www.ijced.org/journal-article-file/1197
What is melasma?
Melasma is the darkening of the skin caused by an excess of estrogen, particularly estradiol. Estradiol stimulates melanin production, the pigment that gives skin its color, so when estradiol is high relative to progesterone, melanin increases and shows up as dark splotches. These brown to gray-brown patches typically appear on the cheeks, chin, bridge of the nose, forehead, and above the upper lip.
What causes dark spots on the face?
Dark spots on the face, known medically as melasma, are caused by excess estrogen, especially estradiol, relative to progesterone. Because estradiol stimulates melanin production, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or hormone therapy can trigger or worsen these patches. Sun exposure is also a major trigger, since UV light further stimulates melanin production in skin already sensitized by hormonal imbalance.
Does estrogen dominance cause dark spots?
Yes, estrogen dominance — having too much estrogen relative to progesterone — is a primary driver of melasma and dark facial spots. Because estradiol stimulates melanin, an imbalance favoring estrogen leads to increased pigment production. Restoring a healthier estrogen-to-progesterone balance is central to fading and preventing these dark patches.
How do you fade melasma naturally?
Fading melasma naturally starts with restoring the balance between estrogen and progesterone, since melasma is driven by excess estradiol relative to progesterone. Supporting overall hormonal balance through hypothalamus support can help. Beyond hormone balance, protecting skin from sun exposure is essential, since UV light stimulates melanin production and tends to worsen melasma over time.
What is the difference between melasma and sun spots?
Melasma and sun spots (also called age spots or liver spots) can look similar but have different root causes. Melasma is primarily hormonally driven, caused by excess estradiol relative to progesterone, and tends to appear in symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Sun spots are caused mainly by cumulative UV exposure over time and can appear anywhere sun-exposed, including hands and arms, regardless of hormone levels.
Does sun exposure make melasma worse?
Yes, sun exposure significantly worsens melasma. UV light stimulates melanin production, the same pigment process driven by excess estradiol, so sun-exposed skin with a hormonal predisposition to melasma will darken further. Daily sun protection is an important part of managing melasma alongside addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance.
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