What is Hemochromatosis?

What is Hemochromatosis exactly? Hemochromatosis is a disorder in the body. It basically means that your body has too much iron in it. Excessive amounts of iron in your body can be really dangerous. That is why it is so important to understand what Hemochromatosis is so you can get the proper medical treatment if you have it.

Causes

Hemochromatosis is an overload of iron in your body. It can be caused by several different factors. There might be a genetic abnormality. This means it is passed down from parents to their children. You may be taking iron supplements which is causing too much of an increase of iron in your body. Drinking a lot of alcohol can make your disorder worse. People who get blood transfusions might develop this disorder.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of Hemochromatosis. Women might notice that their menstrual cycle is not normal. Men might find that their usual sexual desire has decreased and they might even become impotent. You may feel fatigue all the time, and everything feels like an effort. Your joints might hurt, and you may feel upper abdomen pain. You may feel Hemochromatosis symptoms at any age, although there is a greater chance of feeling the symptoms of Hemochromatosis after the age of 30.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Hemochromatosis can be done in a variety of ways. You could have a simple blood test that will check the iron levels in your body. If there is a family history of the disorder than you should tell your doctor so you can get tested for it. Your doctor may order a MRI or CT scan to see how your organs are. If liver problems are suspected, you might have to have a liver biopsy done.

Dangers

There are many dangers of having Hemochromatosis. Too much iron in your body can destroy your organs. You may find that you have diabetes because of it. Having Hemochromatosis really does a number on your liver. You might discover that you have liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and even liver failure. Your heart can also be in danger by having too much iron in your body. It can lead to congestive heart failure. So if you have any symptoms of Hemochromatosis see your doctor right away.

Treatment

Once you know that you have Hemochromatosis, you will need to have proper medical treatment for it. You may have to have phlebotomy done on a regular basis. This can last for years. Phlebotomy is the drawing of your blood. The goal is to get rid of the extra iron in your body. Another option is to take medicine to help lower your levels of iron in your body. Getting the proper medical treatment right away is very important when you have Hemochromatosis.

Source:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemochromatosis/DS00455