Hemochromatosis

Definition

Hemochromatosis is a disorder where iron builds up in the body. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

There are two types:

• Hereditary (HH)
• Secondary

Causes

Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by a gene problem that is passed from parents to children.

The secondary type may be caused by:

• Blood transfusions
• High iron intake

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of HH are:

• Having other family members with this health problem
• Western or Northern European ancestry

Things that may raise the risk of the secondary type are:

• Some anemias, such as thalassemia
• Alcohol use disorder, which can lead to liver disease
• Chronic liver disease

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms of hemochromatosis. Those who do may have:

• Joint pain
• Tiredness or weakness
• Belly pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of interest in sex
• Problems maintaining an erection of the penis

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to check iron levels. This is enough to make the diagnosis. More tests may be done to look for a cause.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to lower iron levels. Ways to treat hemochromatosis are:

• Regularly removing excess iron from the blood
• Medicines to remove excess iron from the blood
• Diet changes, such as:
  • Not eating foods with a lot of iron or taking iron supplements
  • Not taking vitamin C supplements, which can raise the amount of iron the body absorbs
• Avoiding alcohol

Prevention

HH cannot be prevented. The secondary type may be prevented. It depends on the cause.