Hemochromatosis
What are the Symptoms of Hemochromatosis?
While there are people with hemochromatosis who never have symptoms, some people, on other hand, experience a wide range of problems. Complications from hemochromatosis can vary from person to person and may also be different for men and women. Furthermore, women are more likely to develop symptoms after menopause, when they no longer lose iron with menstruation and pregnancy.
All encompassing symptoms may include:
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Loss of sex drive (libido) or impotence
- Lack of normal menstruation (amenorrhea)
- Loss of body hair
- Shortness of breath
- Arthritis
- Liver problems, such as cirrhosis (or scarring of the liver) and liver cancer
- High blood sugar and diabetes
- Heart problems (i.e., irregular heart beat)
- Heart failure
- Gray-colored or bronze-colored skin
References
American Liver Foundation. “Hemochromatosis.” http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/hemochromatosis/. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hemochromatosis (Iron Storage Disease).” http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/facts.html. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
Cutler, L.Ac., Nicole. “Phlebotomy Gaining Acceptance as HCV Treatment.” http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/11/phlebotomy_gain.html. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hemochromatosis.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemochromatosis/DS00455. Retrieved March 8, 2011.