Hemochromatosis may not only be a bit difficult to pronounce, but it’s also not well known. Consider though that this iron disorder affects more than one million Americans, according to Iron Disorders Institute (IDI).
It occurs when the body absorbs too much iron. The extra amounts build up in main organs including joints, pancreas and heart and if left untreated, the organs may become diseased, which can lead to death.
Information from IDI states that people usually absorb around 10 percent of iron in foods eaten. Those with the disease may consume four times more than usual. Mishandled iron in the brain has been detected in people with neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists early symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and weakness. Advanced symptoms can cause the following problems:
- Arthritis
- Liver problems, such as cirrhosis (or scarring of the liver) and liver cancer
- High blood sugar and diabetes
- Abdominal (belly) pain that does not go away
- Severe fatigue (feeling extremely tired and having a lack of energy)
- Heart problems (such as a heartbeat that is not regular)
- Heart failure (such as the heart not pumping blood as well as it did previously)
- Gray-colored or bronze-colored skin
Symptoms related to hemochromatosis usually show up in men in their late 20’s and in women typically 10- 15 years after menstruation ends, either naturally or due to birth control pills or hysterectomy. Genetic tests can successfully diagnosis the disease as well as identify members of a family who are at risk.
Taking blood from the arm is a treatment for hemochromatosis. If treated early and before organs are destroyed, those with the disorder should live a normal life.
Learn more at:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hemochromatosis