Evaluation of Serum Estrogen, Progesterone, Prolactin and Testosterone in Patients of Melasma

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the estrogen, progesterone, Prolactin and testosterone serum levels in melasma patients. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul to Dec2020. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with melasma and 40 without melasma were included in this study. The study comprisedfemale melasma patients aged 20 to 50 years old. All participants were tested for serum estrogen, progesterone, Prolactin andtestosterone levels using immunoassay in the follicular phase (9th day) of the menstrual cycle. Results: The statistically significant increase in serum progesterone (p=0.001) was found in patients with melasma. Asignificant decrease in prolactin levels (p=0.0001) was found in patients with melasma. No association was found betweenGroup-1 and Group-2 regarding serum estradiol and testosterone (p=0.070 and p=0.461 respectively) Conclusion: Patients with melasma have increased progesterone levels and decreased serum prolactin levels.