What is Hemochromatosis and How Should you Treat it?
Hemochromatosis is a disease where the body stores too much iron. Iron is needed by the body to produce red blood cells, but if stored in excess in an organ, it can be poisonous and harmful to major organs. According to medical resources, hereditary hemochromatosis is seen in between 1 in 200 and 1 in 300 people of Northern European descent and is thought to be one of the most common metabolic disorders passed on through the generations.
There is no way the body can get rid of excess iron; instead, it is stored in organs like the liver, heart, pancreas, and joints, leading to irreversible damage and causing liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. The likelihood of these problems arising is minimal if Hemochromatosis is detected early and treated.
In this article, we shall review what is Hemochromatosis, what the symptoms of Hemochromatosis are, what tests detect Hemochromatosis, what the types of Hemochromatosis are, what treatments are available for Hemochromatosis, what complications can arise if this disease is left untreated, Hemochromatosis causes, and how one may manage Hemochromatosis.
What is Hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis is a condition in which your body absorbs too much iron from your diet, then instead of storing it as your body needs, it stores it in your organs. As this condition progresses unchecked, iron stores build up in organs, and after a number of years, organ damage begins to occur. A number of people will remain undiagnosed with Hemochromatosis until they are older in life, as only when organs are significantly affected will the condition then show itself. However, you can contract this condition whether you are a man or a woman, though women tend to only suffer from signs when much later in life, as their bodies naturally lose iron through menstruation.
Types of Hemochromatosis
There are different types of Hemochromatosis with varying causes and effects on your health. Here are the following:
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
The most common type of Hemochromatosis is Hereditary Hemochromatosis, which is inherited through genetic defects, most often involving the HFE gene mutation. This disease is inherited from parents to offspring and develops slowly over many years before presenting most often between ages 30 and 60.
Juvenile Hemochromatosis
This type of Hemochromatosis is very different, as it appears much earlier in a person's life than Hereditary Hemochromatosis, often in teenage or early adult life. As Hemochromatosis develops much faster within the body, there are greater risks of heart attack and endocrine gland complications developing at a younger age.
Secondary Hemochromatosis
This version is caused by either genetic factors or pre-existing conditions, such as chronic anemia or liver disease. However, some conditions, such as repeated blood transfusions and certain blood diseases, can cause excess iron to build up.
Neonatal Hemochromatosis
Newborn babies are sometimes affected by a disease that develops at this early stage and, if untreated, can be fatal.
What Causes Hemochromatosis?
One must understand what causes Hemochromatosis to identify patients who may be at higher risk. The cause of the condition in the majority of patients is inherited mutations that affect the regulation of iron absorption. These are transmitted from parent to child and lead to a vastly increased amount of iron being absorbed by the digestive system. Other causes for Hemochromatosis include the following:
- Repeated blood transfusions
- Some genetic blood diseases
- Chronic liver diseases
- Taking too many iron supplements
- Long-term chronic kidney disease
The common thread among these varied causes of Hemochromatosis is that the body does not regulate excess iron in any way, shape, or form, and so, if not treated correctly, it can lead to multiple organ failure.
Signs of Hemochromatosis
Symptoms of Hemochromatosis can vary greatly and often take years to show. They include such conditions as,
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decreased libido
- Problems with concentration
- Darkened or bronzed skin tone
Many of these symptoms are quite common for various ailments, which is why Hemochromatosis can often remain undiagnosed until the iron has caused significant damage.
What Complications can Hemochromatosis Cause?
If Hemochromatosis is left untreated, it can cause major harm to certain organs. Here are the following reasons for it:
Liver damage:
It is one of the common reasons for iron overconsumption. The liver often bears the brunt of excess iron stores, leading to cirrhosis and sometimes cancer of the liver or total organ failure.
Heart disease:
The deposition of iron in the heart weakens the heart's muscles. And often stands as the primary reason for blockage.
Diabetes:
The pancreatic insulin-secreting cells can be affected, leading to the development of diabetes. It happens as the body rejects insulin and anything that comes with it.
Arthritis:
They resemble those of arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain. These are like knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, and hands.
Organ malfunction:
Hormone production within the endocrine glands is affected, and it is common for women not to develop any period due to a lack of periods. Men will likely find a large drop in testosterone levels, and there can be a general state of low energy and poor well-being.
How is Hemochromatosis Diagnosed?
Hemochromatosis is best treated when an individual presents with symptoms, so a swift diagnosis is crucial for its treatment and control before irreversible damage occurs to the relevant organs. A number of tests will usually be undertaken, such as:
- Blood tests
- Transferrin saturation test
- Serum ferritin levels
- Genetic testing
- An MRI scan
- Liver biopsy to check the severity of the iron stores.
Hemochromatosis Treatment
Treatment of Hemochromatosis revolves around removing excess iron stored in the body. Here are the following:
Therapeutic Phlebotomy:
This method of treating Hemochromatosis is very similar to donating blood; the doctor will regularly remove large amounts of blood at a time. Red blood cells contain iron, and the regular removal of these cells helps replenish the body's iron stores. It is usually expected that you will lose one pint of blood at a time, which would contain a quantity of iron.
Treatment usually requires removing one pint of blood every 1-2 weeks at the beginning of treatment, and after that, a maintenance schedule will occur a few times a year to keep your iron levels healthy.
Managing other diseases:
Patients with secondary Hemochromatosis must not only be tested for Hemochromatosis, but also have the underlying condition that is causing it treated, such as chronic anemia or blood diseases.
Controlling the Diet:
Patients are advised to avoid unnecessary iron supplements, limit vitamin C intake (which is thought to increase iron absorption), avoid excessive alcohol, and avoid uncooked or raw shellfish.
Can Hemochromatosis be Prevented?
With Hemochromatosis being an inherited condition, there is no way to prevent its onset; however, the screening of family members means that individuals at risk of contracting the condition may be diagnosed before presenting with symptoms, allowing treatment to commence before significant organ damage is suffered. If you have a blood relative who has Hereditary Hemochromatosis, then it is imperative that you see a doctor so that they can conduct the appropriate tests.
Living With Hemochromatosis
Treatment of Hemochromatosis can allow a person to live an entirely healthy life. It requires patients to have their blood tested regularly to ensure their levels are normal and that treatment remains effective. When iron stores return to normal, energy levels should too, as the organ systems return to normal function. Having your blood monitored is the most important factor in keeping Hemochromatosis under control and preventing other diseases from developing as a result of it.
Conclusion
Hemochromatosis is a dangerous form of Iron Overload. In this article, we have learned what is Hemochromatosis and the other different types, what causes the condition, the common symptoms, the range of side effects and treatments for Hemochromatosis, and why Hemochromatosis is something that needs to be prevented or detected as early as possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle and good quality of life.
Any patients who suspect that they have Hemochromatosis or any form of Iron Overload and have a strong history of the condition within their family should consult with a qualified doctor. Further information on health-related topics can be obtained at drgptmd.com, where you can research your own symptoms and learn about ways to fight illness and live a healthier life before attending a doctor's appointment.
FAQs
Can Hemochromatosis Affect Mental Health?
Yes. Certain individuals may experience symptoms such as mood swings, increased irritability, and difficulty concentrating. They can sometimes be more prone to states of depression or suffer from brain fog as the condition takes hold of bodily functions. However, treatment can rectify many of these problems, along with all physical symptoms, once the body is no longer being overrun with iron.
Is Hemochromatosis More Common in Men or Women?
Hemochromatosis is diagnosed more often in men than in women due to the loss of iron from the body through menstrual bleeding and delivery/birth. Because of this, the blood and iron buildup in women tends to occur much more slowly. After the onset of menopause, the risk of women having symptoms and complications dramatically increases.
Is Someone with Hemochromatosis Able to Donate Blood?
Many people undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy can actually donate blood. Blood donors with hemochromatosis are usually permitted to donate blood, provided they meet the other donation requirements and the laws in their country and area permit donation by those with hemochromatosis. Individual blood centers differ in their donation rules, so contact one directly for details.
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