-
Hemochromatosis is a potentially fatal—but treatable—iron overload disorder that often doesn’t cause symptoms until complications occur, such as liver or heart problems. Other early symptoms you might experience are similar to those of other conditions, so you (and your doctor) may not suspect hemochromatosis.
Most women don't develop signs of this disorder until after menopause (about age 50); men may first experience symptoms from ages 30 to 50. If you have risk factors or a family history of hemochromatosis, you can ask your doctor to be tested before you show symptoms. But if you do experience any of these symptoms, let your doctor know right away and ask if hemochromatosis could be the cause or, if you’ve been diagnosed, to avoid further complications.
-
1Joint Pain
Pain in your joints is one of the most common symptoms of hemochromatosis, caused by iron deposits in the joints that can result in arthritis. Any joint can be affected, but hands are often the first place you will feel pain. One joint symptom specific to hemochromatosis: pain in the knuckles of your pointer and middle finger, referred to as having an "iron fist." Not everyone with hemochromatosis will get this symptom, but be sure to tell your doctor if you do have it.
-
2Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time is a common hemochromatosis symptom. You may feel a lack of energy, general weakness, and difficulty concentrating ("memory fog"). Women are more likely than men to report fatigue as an early symptom of hemochromatosis. Fatigue can be a symptom of complications of hemochromatosis, such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or diabetes. Report any symptoms of excess tiredness to your healthcare provider.
-
3Abnormal Heartbeat
Excess iron deposits in the heart can result in symptoms such as heart flutters, palpitations, or irregular heartbeats (also called arrhythmias). Left untreated, the buildup of iron in the heart can cause severe complications, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy (a weakened, enlarged heart muscle).
-
-
4Changes in Skin Color
Your skin is an organ and thus can be affected by excess iron. Deposits can cause your skin to change color; you may look tan or take on a bronze, gray or reddish cast. In fact, hemochromatosis has been referred to as "bronze diabetes" due to its link both to diabetes and darkened skin pigmentation. If your hemochromatosis has led to liver damage, you may develop jaundice, resulting in a yellowish appearance to your skin.
-
5Abdominal Pain
Your abdominal organs can also collect deposits of excess iron, particularly the liver. Abdominal pain and swelling can be a symptom of liver disease, which can include enlarged liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Men with hemochromatosis are more likely to have complications such as cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver as an early symptom, as well as diabetes.
-
6Reproductive Organ Dysfunction
Hemochromatosis can also deposit excess iron in your reproductive organs and systems, which can lead to a loss of libido, or desire to have sex. Men may suffer from erectile dysfunction or testicular shrinkage due to iron deposits in the testes. Women may experience their menstrual cycles stopping or early menopause. Some of these symptoms may be reversed with hemochromatosis treatment, depending on the amount of damage prior to diagnosis.
-
7Unexplained Weight Loss
Iron deposits in the pancreas can cause damage that prevents it from producing insulin properly, which can trigger diabetes. One symptom of diabetes is unexpected weight loss. Hemochromatosis also can affect the thyroid and adrenal glands, which regulate metabolism and affect body weight. If you are losing a relatively significant amount of weight—more than 5% of your body weight—without trying to do so, contact your physician.
