Hemochromatosis Genetic Screening

What Is Hereditary Hemochromatosis?

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. This causes iron to build up in the blood, liver, heart, pancreas, joints, skin, and other organs.

In its early stages, hemochromatosis can cause joint and belly pain, weakness, lack of energy, and weight loss. It can also cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), darkening of the skin, diabetes, infertility, heart failure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), and arthritis. However, many people do not have symptoms in the early stages.

In men, hereditary hemochromatosis is usually found between the ages of 40 and 60. In women, it is not usually found until after menopause because, until that time, women regularly lose blood and iron during their monthly periods.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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