If I have melasma starting on my upper lip, is it okay to stay on my birth control?

Dear Dr. Irwin, I switched from Yaz to the Nuvaring about a year ago. I noticed after last summer that I was getting melasma on my upper lip (I assume from the new birth conrol hormones). Will the damage be permanent if I don't switch? I have just been very careful to cover my lip with sunscreen at all times, because I love the Nuvaring otherwise. Also, why would a supposedly lower-dose birth control cause this when Nuvaring did not and I was on it for 3 years? Thanks for your help!

Please see your gynecologist (or whoever prescribed these)!!  In general, if the melasma is being caused by hormones, whether it’s from pregnancy or from oral contraceptives, it will usually get worse if the hormones are still present.   I hate to be the bearer of bad news but see your gynecologist to discuss before changing anything!  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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