Q My melasma appeared together with irregular periods. Are they connected?
A Melasma and menstrual irregularity often share common causes: fluctuations in female hormones (oestrogen), reduced liver function, and imbalance of qi and blood. In Korean medicine, the Liver stores Blood (血) and governs the smooth flow of qi (疏泄), so Liver-qi Stagnation (肝氣鬱結) is understood to simultaneously cause menstrual irregularity and facial melasma. Treating both conditions together yields better outcomes and longer-lasting results than treating each one alone.
Detailed Answer
Oestrogen activates melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) receptors, promoting melanin production. When the hormonal cycle is irregular, wider oestrogen fluctuations cause melasma to worsen repeatedly. Thyroid dysfunction can also simultaneously cause both menstrual irregularity and melasma, so thyroid function testing is advisable.
Korean Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, the Liver stores Blood and regulates the menstrual cycle, and the colour of the facial skin directly reflects the state of the Liver's qi and blood. Gami-soyo-san (加味逍遙散) and Danggui-jakyak-san (當歸芍藥散) are representative prescriptions that relieve Liver-qi Stagnation and replenish Blood, stabilising the menstrual cycle while lightening melasma at the same time. Treating melasma and menstrual irregularity together, facial pigmentation brightens and the menstrual cycle stabilises within 2–3 months — a pattern confirmed repeatedly in clinical practice at Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic.
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