Is the secretion of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) altered by
birth control pills?

Hello richard1022:

Thanks for the interesting question. 

[Please keep in mind that we Google Researchers are not medical
experts and you should consult with a licensed physician before
altering any treatment you might be taking.]

All the information I was able to find points to the fact that birth
control pills do indeed alter the secretion levels of MSH. The
hormones in the pills cause an increase in MSH, which means more
melanin is released into the body. This can cause skin disorders such
as hyperpigmentation, which is defined as:

"Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which
patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding
skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown
pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race."
Source: Hyperpigmentation
URL: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/hyperpigmentation.html


I list below the sources of information that lead me to this
conclusion.

BLOTCHES, SPOTS, AND HYPERPIGMENTATION
URL: http://www.jromano.com/skin/spots.html
Quote: "It can occur with increased frequency in certain patients
because of the complex relationship between hormones, medications, sun
and genetic factors. The final effect is on the hormone producing
glands and on the melanin producing cells themselves. Interference
with a relatively new hormone called MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating
Hormone) is the most often implicated somewhere in this process.
Hormonal therapy, childbirth, or birth control pills can also have a
direct impact on this process."

Hyperpigmentation
URL: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/hyperpigmentation.html
Quote: "Women who take birth control pills may also develop
hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of
hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really
bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped."

Hyperpigmentation
URL: http://www.principalhealthnews.com/topic/topic100586973
Quote: "Darkened regions of the skin occur as a result of abnormal
tanning when the skin is sensitive to sunlight. Several diseases and
many drugs can cause photosensitivity. Among the common drugs
responsible for this uncommon reaction are birth control pills,
antibiotics (sulfonamides and tetracyclines), diuretics, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), pain relievers, and some psychoactive
medications."

Facial Spots, Pigmentation, and Discoloration
URL: http://www.jromano.com/text/pgmt.html
Quote: "These drugs can sensitize the skin to the sun or may produce
pigmentation all on their own. Enhancement of MSH (Melanocyte
Stimulating Hormone) by some medications like birth control pills or
even pregnancy can be another cause. Finally, hormonal therapy by
itself can have a direct impact on skin coloration. In these
situations, the medication either stimulates more melanin to be
produced, or suppresses the process that decreases melanin
production."


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"birth control pills" melanocyte stimulating hormone
hyperpigmentation "birth control pills"
"MSH" "birth control pills"