Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to store too much iron. High levels of iron in the blood can cause damage to the pancreas, liver and heart. Most of the time, hemochromatosis is hereditary. But the disorder can be caused by anemia or alcoholism, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). If anyone in your family has this disease, sometimes called iron overload, it is important to be aware of the symptoms.
Arthritis
One of the first and most common symptoms of hemochromatosis is arthritis, especially in the hands. Joint pain can also occur in the knuckles, ankles and hips, according to the Hemochromatosis Information Center.
Other Early Symptoms
Other common early symptoms of high levels of iron in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic, include a lack of sexual desire, impotence in men, lack of menstruation in women, fatigue and stomach pain. Blood tests in the early stages of the disease may show high levels of blood sugar, low levels of thyroid hormones and elevated liver enzymes.
Late Stage Symptoms
As the body continues to store excess iron, secondary diseases can develop. Liver diseases, such as liver cancer, enlargement, liver failure and cirrhosis may occur. The damage to the pancreas may cause diabetes. Irregular heartbeats or heart failure may be caused from the iron damaging the heart. The Mayo Clinic also states that the skin can turn bronze or gray as the iron levels rise.
After Treatment
While the damage caused to the organs in the body can not be reversed, most of the symptoms and complications of hemochromatosis will improve when the excess iron is removed from the body. The NDDIC states, however, that arthritis often does not improve, even with treatment.
