Risk Factors
Genetic Mutation: The greatest risk factor for hemochromatosis is having 2 copies of a mutated HFE gene.
Age / Sex: Men typically are affected starting around age 40, but the age for women is higher, around 60, after they no longer lose iron with menstrual bleeding or pregnancy. Neonatal hemochromatosis can affect a developing fetus, and juvenile hemochromatosis affects younger people between ages 15 and 30 years old.
Family History: Having a first degree relative (parent or sibling) who has hemochromatosis increases a person’s risk for developing the disease.
Race: Caucasians (people with Northern European descent) are at a higher risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms can range from asymptomatic to the following:
Abdominal pain
Abnormal liver function tests
Absence of menstruation
Bronze, reddish, or ashen grayish skin coloration
Heart flutters / irregular heartbeat
Heart or liver failure
Impotence / loss of sex drive
Increased blood glucose or diabetes
Joint pain
Low thyroid
Memory fog
Unexplained weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Screening and Diagnosis:
Iron blood studies
Liver Function Test
Genetic Test-HFE Mutation Testing
MRI
Possible Complications:
Having too much iron can cause heart problems, diabetes and liver disease. If this condition is left untreated, it can damage the body’s joints, pituitary gland and major organs including the heart, pancreas and liver. It can also affect the body’s endocrine functioning causing diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, (infertility, impotence), and hormone imbalances. Without treatment it can be fatal.
Liver-cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer
Heart failure
Erectile dysfunction
Diabetes
Treatment May Include:
Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Iron Chelation Therapy
Dietary changes
Avoiding iron, vitamin C, uncooked fish and shellfish, limiting alcohol
Helpful Patient Resources:
We understand that having a serious health issue can be a very scary and it is an emotional time for the patient and their families. It is very important to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your hematologist. We highly recommend that if you do any research about your disease, that you do so only with reputable sources. For your convenience, we’ve listed some below.
Centers for Disease Control
Hemochromatosis.org