Chloasma is commonly associated with which of the following conditions?

Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark, discolored patches, typically on the face. It is most commonly associated with hormonal changes, particularly those occurring during pregnancy and menopause. During pregnancy, elevated levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can stimulate the production of melanin, leading to chloasma. This condition is sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy.”

The association with menopause is due to similar hormonal fluctuations that can impact skin pigmentation. Understanding this connection to hormonal changes is crucial for recognizing the underlying causes of chloasma, differentiated from conditions like infections, vitamin deficiencies, or allergic reactions, which do not typically cause the same pigmentation changes seen in chloasma.