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Chronic fatigue and joint pain are the most common complaint of people with hemochromatosis. Other common symptoms include, lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive, and heart flutters or irregular heart beat. Symptoms usually begin in men in their late 20’s to early 30’s. In women, symptoms usually start about 10-15 years after they stop having a period. If hemochromatosis is not found early and treated, iron may accumulate in body tissues causing disease such as:
- arthritis (osteoarthrithis, osteoporosis) knuckles, ankles and hips
- liver disease, including an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure diabetes
- heart problems ( irregular heart beat, heart attack or heart failure)
- impotence
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- infertility
- loss of period or early menopause
- abnormal skin color, ashen gray-green or reddish-bronze
- hypothyroidism (which can cause depression)
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Hemochromatosis can be overlooked by a doctor who is concentrating on treatment of diseases that are present in the patient. Many doctors still believe what they learned in medical school, that hemochromatosis is rare and only happens in older men. When hemochromatosis is discovered early and treated before organ damage can occur, a person can live a normal, healthy life.
Any family practice physician is qualified to diagnose and order treatment for a hemochromatosis patient. If there are complications with diseased organs, the patient may need a specialist.
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Cardiologist
Endocrinologist
Gastroenterologist
Gynecologist
Hematoligst/Oncologist
Hepatologist
Internist
Rheumatologist
Urologist
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