Every human body is unique. Most of us can say that we know our body quite well and notice the changes that may occur. Just like the big belly, swelling of the breasts and noticing the vertical brown line on the abdomen during pregnancy…
Dr. Deborah Lee made a statement about the vertical brown line that appears in the navel area, which is called the linea nigra in the medical language associated with pregnancy. The meaning of vertical brown line linea nigra, which is caused by hormonal changes in the body with pregnancy, is the black line.
ARE BROWN LINES NORMAL IN PREGNANCY?
Dr. Lee said: “Hyperpigmentation is common in pregnancy and is thought to be caused by high levels of estrogen, progesterone and melanin. Estrogen stimulates specific cells known as melanocytes to produce more of the dark skin pigment, melanin. If you have the linea nigra during pregnancy, this is nothing to worry about. and usually disappears spontaneously after birth. The diameter of the line is usually less than 1 cm. Quite often there is a right-sided deviation around the navel”
IT DOESN’T OCCUR ONLY IN PREGNANT WOMEN
And despite popular belief, the linea nigra can occur not only in pregnant women, but in all women, even men. Dr. “Women who are not pregnant can also develop the linea nigra. This could be for a number of hormonal reasons, but it could also be a sign that you may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS),” Lee explains.
IT MAY BE A SYMPTOM OF POLYCYSTIC OVER SYNDROME (PCOS)!
Dr. Lee continued: “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with irregular menses, anovulation, obesity, infertility, acne and hirsutism. High levels of estrogen and androgens (male hormones) are thought to be responsible for the development of hyperpigmentation. Men also linea nigra. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it may be due to excess estrogen or a lack of sensitivity of androgen (male hormone) receptors.”
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?
The linea nigra is usually harmless. You should consult your doctor before applying any cream or treatment. It is recommended not to be exposed to direct sunlight to prevent darkening of the line in pregnant women. Dr. Lee stated that folic acid supplementation and green leafy vegetables are effective against linea nigra. Pregnant women should never use whitening cream on the vertical brown line. The content of whitening creams harms the baby.