I need to see my dermatologist but I think I have melasma going on... really don't want to decrease my HRT so I may end up using hydroquinone to lighten it.

Or it could very well be electrolysis causing some darkening?

Anyone else has that issue?

May I suggest that you ask your medics to check your thyroid function?

Hm... from Wikipedia...

QuoteMelasma (also known as Chloasma faciei, or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark skin discoloration. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

And...

QuoteThe incidence of melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease. It is thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition. Other rare causes of melasma include allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.

So yeah, see your doc for sure!

It is quite known that estrogen causes hyperpigmentation. I found by rubbing some isopropyl alcohol on the skin where there is darkening instantly removes it, like a miracle cure! Been doing this for years and my skin is also so much softer after application....wow!

I  think my thyroid is fine. TSH has been fine, last few lab tests. 1.47 was the last one. Normal range is 0.4-4.5. I've been around 1.4 to 1.7. It lowered slightly probably because I'm taking lipitor (atorvastatin) for cholesterol. Statins are also supposed to help with thyroid function but may throw off lab tests by reading low a bit.

She did order TSH the last time around, and said if she found anything out of the ordinary she'd call me and let me know.

I have an appt in 2 weeks (pushed from this week because of an emergency at home). I'll ask her then. Or maybe I'll call the office and ask to talk to her and see if I could bump it up sooner.

There was one time I went to an arthritis doc when I was having extensive gout pain (didn't really know it was gout) and she noticed dark patches on my foot and prescribed vitamin D and E and they cleared up. I have since stopped those maybe I should restart, but I'll talk to my np first.

So just a follow up.

My dermatologist said that it's PIH, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.

Basically it's from electrolysis, laser or just plain old waxing or plucking. Apparently because of my skin complexion I am more susceptible to it.

I got some hydroquinone and tretinoin cream to use. She said it would fade in a few months and in rare cases up to 2 years but it would get less and less.

I also need to wear sunblock (or makeup).