1. Early Symptoms
People can suffer from hemochromatosis for years and not even know it. Symptoms are typically not identified until the sufferer is between 40 and 60 years of age, although excess iron may be present in the blood for years prior to the condition becoming an issue. The earliest identifiable symptoms include fatigue, general weakness, unexplainable weight loss, abdominal cramps and discomfort, unexplained increase in urination, impotence and joint pain. A change in skin tone (typically yellow) is also an identifiable symptom of hemochromatosis. Any combination of these symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately.
2. Secondary But Serious Identifiable Symptoms
If untreated, excess iron in the blood as a result of hemochromatosis will cause additional adverse effects on the body. The liver is typically affected first, with cirrhosis being a common result. Hepatitis, or chronic liver inflammation, can also develop. In the most extreme cases of hemochromatosis, liver failure and even liver cancer can develop.
3. Advanced Hemochromatosis Symptoms
Hemochromatosis can eventually lead to the development of additional problems. Heart ailments like irregular heartbeat or palpitations are common with hemochromatosis, as is cardiomyopathy (a condition that affects the heart's strength) and even true heart failure. The development of diabetes is also not unheard of.
Hemochromatosis can affect the reproductive system as well. Conditions of hypogonadism are prevalent with hemochromatosis, including hair loss and breast enlargement in men. It's also not uncommon for the volume and size of the testicles to shrink as a result of hemochromatosis. Erectile dysfunction and loss of drive also accompany the worsening of hemochromatosis.
Going too long without treatment will lead to additional serious side effects. The pain in one's joints can become so severe as to limit all mobility, for example. Where treated hemochromatosis can limit the discoloration of the skin, severe hemochromatosis can cause the skin to dramatically change color, even to a gray hue.
