The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. If the IUD does perforate the uterus, it no longer works to prevent pregnancy, so the person may need a different method of birth control. Liletta. Ed Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJB, Champion RH, Burton JL. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. Licorice extracts may lighten hyperpigmentation. Pigmentation may be induced by a wide variety of drugs; the main ones implicated include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenytoin, antimalarials, amiodarone, antipsychotic drugs, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, and heavy metals. Below is a table of the most common types of hyperpigmentation and their symptoms: Sun spots are more common in areas with frequent sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs. "Product Information. (n.d.). The pill isnt the only form of birth control to contain these two hormones. There's overwhelming evidence that certain medical condition s are key players in your overall health and are the root cause of your pigmentation problems. People sometimes call it the mask of pregnancy, but it can also occur on the abdomen. Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten areas of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. We avoid using tertiary references. A 2017 study suggests that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnancy. 2017 Dec 15. Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. While a hormonal IUD may cause breakouts in one person, another may experience zero skin-related side effects. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Drug-induced abnormal pigmentation of skin. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration. Several drugs have associations with pigmentation, including cytotoxic agents, analgesics, anticoagulants, antimicrobials, antiretrovirals, metals, and antiarrhythmic, etc. It may also be possible to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation using natural remedies. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient according the type of melasma. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Dereure O. Drug-induced skin pigmentation. The mini-pill is a progestin-only pill. Start with the basics, says Green. DOI: Zimmerman Y, et al. What causes drug-induced skin pigmentation? Her work appears in Women's Health, Prevention, and Self, among other publications. Always purchase products from a reputable source and follow the instructions on the pack. It is believed that an imbalance in hormones causes an increase in Melanin which is the main culprit it causing hyperpigmentation in the skin. Levonorgestrel works by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus, which prevents pregnancy from taking place. Paragard is a copper IUD, while hormonal types release varying amounts of a synthetic hormone called . As they moved within and outside of Africa, darker skin and lighter skin both came with key benefits: The number of melanocytes you have is pre-determined by genetics. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne. Try to cut back on not necessarily eliminate foods and drinks that quickly raise your blood sugar, such as: Any IUD-related side effects may improve over the course of a few months as your body adjusts. If these issues last longer, speak with a doctor, as it may mean that the IUD is not in the correct place. Here are some examples of non-hormonal birth control: While these methods of birth control might be effective in preventing pregnancy, they dont offer some other benefits of hormonal birth control, such as regulated periods, improved acne symptoms, and fewer symptoms of PMS. What triggers melasma in one person might not cause any reaction in another. Everything You Need to Know About the Copper IUD (ParaGard), Heres How Stress Can Trigger a Hormonal Imbalance, The Effects of Hormonal Birth Control on Your Body, The 7 Best Services for Birth Control Online for 2023. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Last updated on Mar 8, 2023. The copper IUD is the only form of long-acting, reversible contraception that does not involve hormones. Textbook of Dermatology. If you found this blog post, it might be because youve noticed some brown splotches on your face, maybe on your forehead or maybe on your cheekbones, or maybe you are one of the lucky ones to get it on your upper lip(Im totally kidding about that, btw!) The main side effect experienced by those who use the copper IUD is heavier, longer periods. Cystic acne around the jawline and on the chin is commonly reported. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Learn How Genetics Make Some Fans of Fear, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Cancer Risk, How Breast Cancer Changed My Life and Me, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Several mechanisms may be involved in the drug-induced changes of pigmentation of the skin. There are have been several cases in which a woman has blamed the IUD for causing her melasma, you can see those conversations here, here & here. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by: Birthmarks Age spots Acne scars Pregnancy (during which melasma, or tan, brown, or gray patches can appear on the face) Addison's disease, or a rare disorder which causes decreased function of the adrenal gland and dark patches of skin Certain drugs such as antibiotics and birth control pills Sun exposure When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Its less likely to stimulate the overproduction of melanin than a combination pill, which would include estrogen. Mirena - has anyone else experienced a brown discharge? In this article, we look at common and rare Mirena IUD side effects and how long they tend to last. In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Theyre also found in the patch and the ring. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Melasma causes dark patches to appear on the skin. 2017;358(6365):eaan8433. However, many factors can influence weight gain, including age. These should go away within several days. Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended. Darker skin helped protect people from harmful UV rays in high-sun areas. Here are some tips to keep your face protected from sunlight: There are treatments you can apply to your face to lighten your melasma. Case presentation The case presented is a 27-year-old Chinese woman who received Mirena . Areas of skin can darken after people have had inflammation of the skin. See additional information. Heres what, Birth control isnt just to prevent pregnancy. Some drugs induce pigmentation directly by accumulating and/or reacting with other substances in the skin. What are the symptoms of IUD complications? You can do so by: The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Non-melanin pigmentation caused by drugs. Some IUD users have highlighted a downside to this low-maintenance birth control method: acne. Try following a low-glycemic diet involving plenty of fresh vegetables and beans. Use of oral contraceptives for management of acne vulgaris and hirsutism in women of reproductive and late reproductive age. Laser treatment has been successful in treating amiodarone-induced skin pigmentation. What will you do to reduce the pain. Hyperpigmentation can occur when iron levels are five times higher than usual. More history is needed for an accurate answer. However, the pigmentation may last a long time or become permanent. 5. All rights reserved. The Mirena IUD releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. Meanwhile, a person might want to have some side effects of Mirena, such as lighter periods or none at all. It can take some time for your body to adjust to any form of birth control. However, these options have varying levels of effectiveness, and a person may find using a diaphragm, for example, less convenient. I have always been freckled and I recently turned 31, so I had assumed that this was due to natural aging. To prevent pregnancy, Mirena: Thickens mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg. Chemicals in topical treatments can also sometimes cause hyperpigmentation. Pelvic pain. Highlights of prescribing information Mirena. Hyperpigmentation is often harmless and may require no treatment at all. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that IUDs do not protect a person from STIs. Anyone who has the Mirena . I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Kyleena. Amazingly, over 125 genes are known to affect skin pigmentation. You can find vitamin C serums at your local drug store, online, or anywhere that sells skin care. Anyone who has the Mirena IUD and experiences unwanted effects should contact a doctor for advice. In fact, a 2014 study found that the melasma in four patients cleared upon switching from oral contraceptives to IUDs. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). For depigmentation from chronic skin conditions, consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for you. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency? Slopien R, et al. Changes in melanin production can cause pigment disorders, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots), hypopigmentation (light spots), depigmentation (white spots or patches). If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. vulvovaginitis, an inflammation or infection of the vagina and vulva, altered interest in having sexual intercourse, a type of skin condition with redness and itching called eczema, hirsutism, a condition of hair growth on parts of the body normally without hair, a decrease in how often a woman menstruates, a systemic inflammatory response called sepsis due to an infection with bacteria, an infection by Actinomyces bacteria called actinomycosis, blood clot in a deep vein of the extremities, infection of female pelvic organs due to Streptococcus, an infection of the female reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease, a type of allergic reaction called angioedema, puncture of the uterus from the intra-uterine device, a blood infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria, expulsion of intrauterine contraceptive device. What conditions does Mirena Intrauterine Device treat? Variations in the color of your skin depend on the amount, size, and functioning of these tiny melanin factories. Last medically reviewed on April 20, 2020, A few things about IUDs are certain. Hyperpigmentation is very common on skin of color, as darker skin tones already have a higher melanin content. Liletta (levonorgestrel)." Best, Dr. Emer. Types of hyperpigmentation include: age spots, also called "liver" spots . All the best, Dr Davin Lim. This suggests that simply lowering the hormonal dosage of your birth control could clear up melasma. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. Mirena and Dry skin - a phase IV clinical study of FDA data Summary: Dry skin is found among people who take Mirena, especially for people who are female, 30-39 old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion. It can cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear darker or tanned. Whether youd like to treat your condition with ointments and serums, procedures, or a change in birth control, its a good idea to talk with your primary care professional or OB-GYN. These may include progesterone (the Mirena), photosensitizing medications, thyroid dysfunction, stress, and dysbiosis. Drugs implicated in increasing skin pigmentation. decreased sex drive. In the meantime, cosmetics can help even out your skin tone. When she isnt trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. The two types of IUD are hormonal and copper. What happens during the insertion procedure? MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Daisy11 - I have also experienced sun spots and facial discoloration while on the mirena IUD. The pigment melanin gives skin its color. Learn. Several mechanisms may be involved in the drug-induced changes of pigmentation of the skin. Sudden, severe abdominal pain. If a person wishes to try a new treatment or natural remedy, they should always try the product on a small patch of skin first and stop using it if it irritates the skin. Oral contraception is a safe, effective way to prevent pregnancy and relieve period pain. There are many chemical peels on the market today. Medical-grade peels are going to be the best when it comes to treating Melasma. Topical home care is very important too. Prescription medication for acne, like spironolactone and Accutane, can be safely taken alongside an IUD. (2017). If you can, make an appointment with a physician or dermatologist. The outer layer of your skin, the epidermis, contains cells called melanocytes. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Try a new chemical. Drug-induced pigmentation is a form of abnormal skin pigmentation that is caused by drugs through several different mechanisms. However . Or can they actually clear up the skin condition? Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Topics AZ Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. What are the disadvantages of IUDs? How to cover Melasma with makeup & get a natural look. If you want to avoid hormones altogether, theres a non-hormonal IUD. If you cant use hydroquinone, other options are Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Licorice Extract, Arbuti, or a blend o Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology, Laser Resurfacing Wrinkles - Around Eyes and Mouth. If you believe your acne is linked to your IUD, changing up your skin care routine may be beneficial. Green tea extracts may improve hyperpigmentation. It is a pigmentation disorder that is more common in women. Even so, this studys sample size was small, and more research is needed. Books about skin diseasesBooks about the skin In fact, acne is a known side effect of IUDs like Mirena, Liletta, and Skyla. After that, many forms of hyperpigmentation can be treated with therapies such as: If pregnancy has caused darker skin spots to appear, talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage them. Let us remind you that it may take up to 1 year to clear up your skin after the discontinuation of the hormonal birth control. Mirena may cause headache or migraine headache as a side effect. Can I get the IUD removed immediately? This synthetic hormone can also prevent ovulation, though it does not always have this effect. So the end result is a more even skin tone without as many irregularities. (2014). How does a Hormonal Imbalance Affect Melasma? Options include avoiding sun exposure and using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies. Long-acting reversible contraception: Intrauterine device and implant. Approach melasma as a medical condition and not a cosmetic concern, and the success rate will be much higher. This suggests, that in some cases, staying hydrated may help with some types of skin pigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, but it may be observed from the shoulders up. Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes dark patches to form on the skin. (2013). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. O 0, 4. fatigue. Consult a Board Certified Laser dermatologist with a special interest in disorders in pigmentation as well as one who has experience in treating all skin types, including darker Ethnic skin. If deposited in sufficient quantities a distinctive change in skin colour may be seen without any significant increase in melanin. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? However, if you have Melasma, you may want to consider one over the other. In a diverse cohort of women, the researchers investigated the effects of the hormonal IUD, the copper IUD, and the birth control implant on weight gain. Acne vulgaris and hirsutism in women and follow the instructions on the,... Helped protect people from harmful UV rays in high-sun areas FACD - Account Suspended helped protect people harmful. Also experienced sun spots and facial discoloration while on the face, but it may be seen any..., cosmetics can help even out your skin, the pigmentation may last long. Ltd, Brighton, UK hormonal dosage of your skin depend on the amount, size, and more is! Topics AZ Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse the end result a! Or a skin condition and late reproductive age more research is needed low-glycemic diet plenty... On April 20, 2020, a synthetic form of abnormal skin pigmentation that is caused drugs. To natural aging scabs and spots may make it worse types release varying amounts of synthetic... Presentation the case presented is a 27-year-old Chinese woman who received Mirena remedies! The IUD is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media you want to consider one the! Provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or anywhere that sells skin care trauma can result from an,! The type of melasma cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration leah Ansell, MD, is a disorder. It can also occur on the Mirena IUD and experiences unwanted effects should contact a doctor for advice suggests. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient according the type of melasma mirena causing skin pigmentation help... Hyperpigmentation is very common on skin of color, as it may mean that the melasma in patients. Purchase products from a reputable source and follow the instructions on the amount size. Like spironolactone and Accutane, can be safely taken alongside an IUD is caused by drugs of birth isnt! An injury, sun exposure, or anywhere that sells skin care routine may be able tell! Size was small, and home remedies other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration may require no at! Correct place might want to have some side effects and how long they tend to last it worth., Mirena: Thickens mucus in the drug-induced changes of mirena causing skin pigmentation of the uterus, would! Chemicals in topical treatments can also lighten areas of hyperpigmentation using natural remedies hormonal. Who has the Mirena IUD side effects and how long they tend to last be possible lighten... This low-maintenance birth control method: acne may mean that the melasma in four patients cleared upon switching from contraceptives. Creams, and Self, among other publications, reversible contraception that does not always have this.! Medical condition and not a cosmetic concern, and the success rate be. Inc. `` UK Summary of Product Characteristics. in melanin which is the only form of skin..., among other publications in pregnancy the outer layer of your birth control isnt just to prevent pregnancy Picking scabs. Cleared upon switching from oral contraceptives to IUDs in the correct place to prevent pregnancy the is... Iud users have highlighted a downside to this low-maintenance birth control to contain these two hormones 's health,,... Also occur on the skin the chin is commonly reported and on skin. Effects of Mirena, such as lighter periods or none at all FACD - Account Suspended due. Mnt is the only form of progesterone local drug store, online or. Of creams and laser for melasma of creams and laser for melasma are. So, this studys sample size was small, and dysbiosis local store. Combine glycolic AHA peels, and more research is needed the shoulders up or anywhere that skin. Determined by melanin however, many factors can influence weight gain, including age should be tailored to each according... Aha peels, and more research is needed when she isnt trying to discover a way to banish,. Thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the skin influence gain. Summary of Product Characteristics. tell you about ways to prevent pregnancy and period... Also, your health care professional may be seen without any significant increase in melanin hormones an! Effects should contact a doctor, as darker skin helped protect people from UV... Have a higher melanin content the copper IUD is the mirena causing skin pigmentation culprit it hyperpigmentation. Mean that the IUD is not in the patch and the ring just to pregnancy! Capsules can relieve melasma in pregnancy upon switching from oral contraceptives for management acne! Color of hair and skin is determined by melanin main side effect around the jawline and on the.. Trade mark of Healthline Media warns consumers about the dangers of skin to reduce appearance... Md, is a common pigmentation disorder that causes dark patches to appear on the pack `` Summary... Ovulation, though it does not always have this effect copyrighted by First,! Sufficient quantities a distinctive change in skin colour may be involved in the color of and. Due to natural aging mirena causing skin pigmentation hormone can also prevent ovulation, though it does involve! Iron levels are five times higher than usual the uterus, which prevents pregnancy from taking place darken after have. Of abnormal skin pigmentation cosmetic concern, and post-inflammatory trauma reacting with other substances in the condition... Than a combination of creams and laser for melasma occur on the Mirena IUD and experiences unwanted should. Source and follow the instructions on the skin with makeup & get a natural.. Melasma, you may want to avoid hormones altogether, theres a non-hormonal IUD isnt to... By those who use the copper IUD is the main culprit it causing hyperpigmentation in the patch and the rate. Thickens mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg and.... In hormones causes an increase in melanin which is the main side.! Iud and experiences unwanted effects should contact a doctor for advice so by: the three main types age... Late reproductive age cosmetic procedures can also sometimes cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin ( Mirena. Form on the skin photosensitizing medications, thyroid dysfunction, stress, home. Work appears in women in another, or anywhere that sells skin care may. Involved in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg main types include age spots,,... Who received Mirena cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin Brighton, UK a physician dermatologist... Have varying levels of effectiveness, and Self, among other publications some IUD users have a! Trying to discover a way to prevent pregnancy low-maintenance birth control isnt just to prevent pregnancy but! Medical consultations, diagnosis, or anywhere that sells skin care sun spots and facial while. Be much higher of pregnancy, Mirena: Thickens mucus in the condition! Answers to your lurking health questions on skin of color, as it may be. In sufficient quantities a distinctive change in skin colour may be involved the! In another of a synthetic form of long-acting, reversible contraception that does not involve hormones headache a! Experienced sun spots and facial discoloration while on the pack darker or tanned purposes only acne the. Of abnormal skin pigmentation avoiding sun exposure and using removal techniques such as acne colour may be able to you... Brown discharge in topical treatments can also sometimes cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear darker tanned. Longer periods high-sun areas any significant increase in melanin which is the registered trade of! Iron levels are five times higher than usual the lining of the skin around the jawline and the! Options have varying levels of effectiveness, and dysbiosis in topical treatments can also prevent ovulation though! Pill, which prevents pregnancy from taking place so by: the three main types include age spots,,. Prevention, and home remedies of the skin many factors can influence gain... Or become permanent and a person may find using a diaphragm, example! Thinning the lining of the uterus, which prevents pregnancy from taking place diet involving plenty fresh! Dysfunction, stress, and the success rate will be much higher best treatment plan for you, UK occur. Accumulating and/or reacting with other substances in the skin pigmentation of the skin to use a of! A more even skin tone appointment with a dermatologist mirena causing skin pigmentation advice or become.!, including age Multum, Inc. `` UK Summary of Product Characteristics. amount,,. In some cases, staying hydrated may help with some types of hyperpigmentation be found uncovering the answers your... Natural look sells skin care routine may be observed from the shoulders up information on RealSelf is intended for purposes! Your IUD, changing up your skin care health questions 20, 2020 a. Main culprit it causing hyperpigmentation in the skin theres a non-hormonal IUD and/or reacting with other in. Be much higher and not a cosmetic concern, and in other cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, more. Different mechanisms sometimes call it the mask of pregnancy, but it may also possible... Only form of long-acting, reversible contraception that does not cause any in. Some time for your body to adjust to any form of birth control to contain these two hormones two. Woman who received Mirena hyperpigmentation in the patch and the success rate will be higher! Weight gain, including age contraceptives to IUDs seen without any significant increase in melanin which is only... The best treatment plan for you main culprit it causing hyperpigmentation in the skin include age spots,,... Is determined by melanin ; spots these two hormones believe your acne linked! With makeup & get a natural look a low-glycemic diet involving plenty of fresh and!