Vitiligo is a skin condition linked to thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease, which are autoimmune conditions. People with vitiligo may have up to a 2.5 times higher risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to people without vitiligo.

Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease, and it’s diagnosed in about 0.36 percent of the world’s population (28.5 million people). Prevalence (commonness) varies by region, with the highest rates in Central Europe and South Asia.

Among people with vitiligo, up to about 14 percent may also have an autoimmune thyroid disease.

MyVitiligoTeam members have talked about developing other autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune thyroid disorders. “I read that vitiligo can make you have thyroid problems,” one member noted.

Despite the association between vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid diseases — also known as autoimmune thyroiditis — no evidence shows that one condition causes the other. Having vitiligo doesn’t mean that you’ll develop thyroid disease. But because people with vitiligo have a higher risk of thyroid disease, it’s important to understand the connection between vitiligo, Hashimoto’s disease, and Graves’ disease.

What’s the Link Between Vitiligo and Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders?

Both vitiligo (including segmental vitiligo and nonsegmental vitiligo) and autoimmune thyroid disorders are autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. People with one autoimmune disorder often have at least one other autoimmune condition. So, if you’re living with vitiligo, there’s a good chance you’ll develop another autoimmune disease.

Researchers believe that both vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disorders have genetic risk factors, meaning the disorder can be passed down from parent to child. The genetics of these conditions isn’t well understood but likely involves multiple genes.

Autoimmunity

Dermatology researchers believe that people with vitiligo have abnormal or defective melanocytes (pigment cells that give color to the skin, hair, and eyes). These abnormalities trigger an autoimmune response, causing the immune system to attack these cells by mistake. When the cells are destroyed, the skin loses pigment, leading to white or light-colored skin lesions called depigmentation.

Like most autoimmune diseases, vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune conditions, including:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alopecia areata — Hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles
• Systemic lupus erythematosus — One of the four major types of lupus
• Pernicious anemia (also called Addison anemia) — Low levels of red blood cells linked to difficulty absorbing vitamin B12

Some people with vitiligo have at least three other autoimmune disorders. One member of MyVitiligoTeam said, “I have vitiligo, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus — all a result of autoimmune disease. I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and rheumatoid arthritis in my feet and hands.”

With thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, the immune system produces thyroid autoantibodies that attack the thyroid gland in the neck. The thyroid gland is a key part of the endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones. Inflammation of the thyroid gland causes hormonal and thyroid dysfunction.

A meta-analysis (a summary of multiple studies) of endocrinology research found that about 20 percent of people with vitiligo had thyroid-specific antibodies, suggesting some level of thyroid autoimmunity. In one small study, 77 out of 79 participants with vitiligo had antithyroid hormone antibodies, further supporting this connection.

It’s important to note that the presence of thyroid antibodies doesn’t necessarily mean that thyroid disease will occur. A person can have thyroid antibodies throughout their life but never develop thyroid disease.

Researchers have identified specific factors that may increase the likelihood of thyroid disorders in people with vitiligo. These risk factors include:

• Vitiligo that covers more body surface area
• A longer duration of having vitiligo
• A family history of autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Stress as a trigger for developing vitiligo

Heredity

Genetics (heredity) appears to play a role in all autoimmune conditions, including vitiligo and thyroid diseases. These conditions often run in families, meaning parents likely pass the risk genes (genes that increase the likelihood of disease) to their children. However, these genes may only become active when certain environmental factors affect the immune system.

Studies suggest that because vitiligo and thyroid disease often occur together, these conditions may share some genes. Researchers have identified nine genes that could contribute to both conditions. Having one or more of these shared genes might explain why someone is more likely to develop both disorders.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms

If you have vitiligo, it’s important to recognize symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease so you know when you should consult a doctor.

Hashimoto’s Disease

One study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that young people, especially males, had an increased risk of Hashimoto’s disease. In another small pediatric study, children and adolescents with vitiligo were shown to be 2.5 times more likely to develop Hashimoto’s compared to the general population.

In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition results in hypothyroidism (the underproduction of thyroid hormones), which affects thyroid function.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s can take years to develop and may include:

• Unexplained fatigue
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight gain
• Hair loss (on the scalp and eyebrows)
• Joint stiffness and pain
• Depression
• Face puffiness
• Increased sensitivity to cold

One member of MyVitiligoTeam wrote about their symptoms of hypothyroidism: “The only reason I had my thyroid checked was because of a suggestion from my dermatologist years ago. Sure enough, I have hypothyroidism. I do notice when my thyroid is dysfunctioning — my hair gets brittle, my skin gets very dry, and I’m cold all the time.”

Doctors can diagnose Hashimoto’s disease with blood tests that measure levels of hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone or antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO antibodies). Tell your doctor if you experience any new symptoms such as constipation, a puffy face, fatigue, or depression.

Graves’ Disease

People with vitiligo are significantly more likely than the general population to develop Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition. “I have Graves’ disease along with vitiligo. I had my physical with my doctor a few days ago and found out that my thyroid levels are very low, which would explain why I’m so tired lately,” wrote one MyVitiligoTeam member.

In Graves’ disease, the immune system’s attack on the thyroid gland results in hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones). Symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• Increased perspiration and sensitivity to heat
• Irritability or anxiety
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced libido (sex drive) or erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Slight tremor in the fingers or hands
• Heart palpitations — Sensations of a pounding or racing heartbeat
• Graves’ ophthalmopathy — Bulging eyes
• Graves’ dermopathy — Thick, discolored skin on the shins or feet

Like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease symptoms can resemble other conditions or diseases. Take note of any new or worsening symptoms and tell your doctor about them. If you experience heart symptoms or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately.

How To Manage the Risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

If you have vitiligo, it’s important to be aware of your risk of thyroid disease. An early diagnosis can help ensure that you get the right treatment as soon as possible to protect your health and quality of life.

Talk to your doctor about how best to monitor your condition, including:

• Getting early blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels
• Learning the signs and symptoms of autoimmune thyroid diseases
• Discussing any family history of autoimmune thyroid conditions

A MyVitiligoTeam member wrote, “The first thing my general practitioner did was check my thyroid because it can be related to vitiligo and because my mom had hypothyroidism.”

By staying informed and working closely with your doctor, you can take steps to manage your health and address potential thyroid issues promptly.

Talk to Others Who Understand

MyVitiligoTeam is the social network for people with vitiligo and their loved ones. On MyVitiligoTeam, more than 13,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with vitiligo.

Do you have vitiligo and an autoimmune thyroid disorder? What symptoms of thyroid disease did you first notice? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

In partnership with the Global Vitiligo Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with vitiligo through education, research, clinical care, and community support.