mix

has anyone ever developed melasma as a result of taking bcp's? i notice that ortho-tri-cyclen has stated this as a risk in their pamphlet. i've never seen that before on any other bcp information. i've just read that melasma is not reversible, so i'm a bit worried - specially seeing as i live in 'the sunshine state'.

also, should the obgyn have warned me about this before prescribing it? i wasn't warned. neither was i warned to use a back up form of contraceptive since i am changing from yasmin to ortho. is this the sign of a bad obgyn?

if anyone can help, that'd be great. i really really need your input.

__________________

me: 39, dh: 36
dx pcos 1990
male factor infertility
BFP - 03/12/08
EDD - 11/22/08
baby is here!
born 10/13/08 at 34 weeks 2 days



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Candace

that I know are melasma. They are probably related to the birth control use, although with our hormones being so out of sinc I wouldn't know for sure. The places are not really large or anything like that, but they are obvious to me. The doctor never mentioned that this could happen but I knew it could be a side effect. The little spots are worth staying on the pill for me because I feel a lot healthier on the pill. I did notice that that side effect happened fairly quickly after beginning them and I don't have any additional spots since starting them three years ago. I hope you find the right meds for your health. It has taken me quite a while to figure out what will work for me.

Blessings!

Candace

__________________
Candace
Age 38
2 children 10 and 9 with treatment
Married 18 years
Glucophage XR 2000 mgs 3 years (Switched to Generic Metformin XR on Dec. 23 rd)
Yasmin BCP 3 years
Diagnosed at age 21 rediagnosed at 34 due to all symptoms.
Normal weight, feeling great! 5'0 113 lbs
Curves for Women 3 X a week

Chrissy

Melasma occurs with pretty much all bcp. It is much worse during pregnancy for those who get it. Some people don't suffer from this but if you tend to have dark hair and are more olive or ruddish skin toned you may get it. Use a product with alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid to help control it during the year. Wear a strong sunscreen to help keep it to a minimum. There are prescription fade creams that work but you cannot be pregnant while using these. GOod Luck. I too suffer but sunscreen and glytone help alot!

__________________
40 DH 39
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Mother to two sweet babies 10 and 6

ukleder

Unfortunately taking oral contraceptives come with the risk of melasma while in the sun....regardless of how much sunscreen you use. I use SPF 60 on my face every day because I have sensitive skin and I'm on Demulen, yet I developed melasma all around my eyes even while wearing sunglasses.

The bleaching creams are no longer available because they were deemed dangerous, but new products such as Fade Away, have emerged.

They work by blocking the development of melanin on the skin where applied. So as your skin cells regenerate and rewew the old skin sloughs off and the new skin should (in theory) emerge melanin free (and pigment free) if you apply the cream on the spots where you have the melasma. The cream should be applied to areas you are prone to developing melasma to avoid the pigmented spots in the first place....so even if you don't have melasma, you can potentionally avoid it by using these creams in addition to sunscreen.

I'm currently trying one of those products but it's too soon to determine its results as it takes three months and I've only been on it for two weeks.

While in Hawaii I developed melasma around my upper lip, but it went away a few weeks later. The spots I now have under my eyes are severe and won't go away on their own.

Wear a hat, sunglasses that protect from both UVA & UVB, wear a high sunscreen factor, and avoid the sun during peak times (i.e. 10 am - 4 pm) if possible. Basically, life stinks if you enjoy being outdoors in the summer, are on bcps, and are prone to melasma.

The doctors don't warn of this and most other side effects because they are covered (and quite frankly who knows of a doctor that has the time to go over every side effect of the medication they perscribe?). It is listed in the pamphlet included in the pack...and it's up to the patient to read it unfortunately. I always knew I was a risk but assumed I'd be safe since I use such a high SPF, but I was wrong.

Stay protected and be pro-active in your own health! Good luck!

-Bobbi