Dark spots on big toes!!?

Please ignore the ugly toes & the fact my gel polish is just no longer 😅

But I read online somewhere that hormones can do this? But is this true - has anyone dealt with this?? And is there a way to lighten it?

I didn’t have this issue until probably around age 22-25 and I’m about to be 27 this month. I was pregnant in 2020 and had my daughter in 2021. But cannot remember if I had them there prior to pregnancy.!

Also being super self conscious about it 😩

Figured If I got my toes painted for summer I’d be ready to go, but these dark spots kind of deterred me away from wearing sandals. 🥺