Bloodwork, Lifestyle

Iron Overload: Understanding Hemochromatosis and Protecting Your Health

Ever heard of a condition where your body absorbs too much iron? It’s called hemochromatosis, and while it might sound obscure, it’s more common than you think. As your Blood Buddy, we’re here to shed light on this condition, explain what it means for your health, and outline what you can do about it.

What is Hemochromatosis, Exactly?

Hemochromatosis is a condition where your body absorbs an excessive amount of iron from the food you eat. Over time, this extra iron builds up in your organs, especially your liver. Left unmanaged, this buildup can lead to serious problems like liver disease, pain, and fatigue. Thankfully, with proper treatment, these complications can usually be prevented.

Decoding Your Body: What are the Symptoms to Watch For?

In men, symptoms often appear between 30 and 50 years of age, while in women, they typically develop later, after age 50. This difference is because younger women regularly lose extra iron through menstruation, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Symptoms of hemochromatosis can include:

  • Abdominal (belly) pain

  • Fatigue, low energy, or weakness

  • Darkening of the skin (sometimes called “bronzing”)

  • Joint pain

  • Loss of body hair

  • Weight loss

Blood Buddy can help you track these symptoms and correlate them with your bloodwork results, giving you a clearer picture of your overall health.

What Causes Hemochromatosis?

Doctors don’t know precisely what triggers hemochromatosis. What they do know is that it’s an inherited condition (passed down through families), and it’s fairly common. It affects roughly 5 in every 1,000 people in the U.S., and is most prevalent in white people of western European descent.

If you have a family history of hemochromatosis, it’s crucial to get tested.

Diagnosis: How is Hemochromatosis Detected?

Hemochromatosis is often diagnosed before symptoms even appear, as it can show up on routine blood tests. Many people are also tested after a family member receives a diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests include:

  • Blood Tests: To measure iron levels and specific proteins in the blood.

  • Physical Exams: To check for swelling of the liver or spleen, and changes in skin color.

  • Tests for Blood Glucose, Heart Function, and Liver Function: To assess potential organ damage.

  • Imaging Tests (CT Scans, MRI, Ultrasound): To check for changes in the liver or heart.

  • Liver Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of the liver for testing.

  • Genetic (DNA) Tests: To confirm the genetic basis of the condition.

Actionable Strategies: What Can You Do?

Here’s what you can do to manage hemochromatosis:

  1. Dietary Changes:

    • Avoid Iron: Stay away from iron supplements, vitamins with iron, and iron-fortified cereals.

    • Limit Alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption low (less than two drinks per day) to protect your liver. Avoid alcohol altogether if you already have liver disease.

    • Avoid Raw Seafood: Raw seafood may contain bacteria that thrive in iron-rich environments.

  2. Phlebotomy (Blood Donation): The primary treatment for hemochromatosis is therapeutic phlebotomy, which involves regularly removing blood to lower iron levels.

What Happens If Hemochromatosis Goes Untreated?

If left untreated, the excess iron can accumulate in your organs, leading to severe organ damage and increasing the risk of:

  • Liver disease (fibrosis or cirrhosis)

  • Liver cancer

  • Bacterial infections

  • Severe fatigue

  • Diabetes

  • Arthritis

  • Heart disease

  • Thyroid disease

  • Changes in skin color

  • Loss of sex drive

Should Your Family Members Be Tested?

Yes! If you’ve been diagnosed with hemochromatosis, it’s crucial that your biological family members get tested. Early detection and treatment can prevent them from developing the disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron, leading to organ damage if untreated.

  • Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, skin darkening, and joint pain.

  • Diagnosis involves blood tests, physical exams, and potentially imaging or liver biopsy.

  • Treatment primarily involves blood donation (phlebotomy) and dietary changes to limit iron intake.

  • Blood Buddy can help you track your symptoms, bloodwork results, and dietary changes to manage your hemochromatosis effectively.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Fatigue, low energy, or weakness

  • Darkening of the skin

  • Joint pain

  • Loss of body hair

  • Weight loss

Staying informed and proactive is key to managing hemochromatosis and living a healthy life!