blood disorders
Hemochromatosis
Symptoms of Hemochromatosis
Usually, symptoms develop gradually, and the disorder may not be noticed until iron accumulation is excessive. Often no symptoms appear until middle age or later. Sometimes the first symptoms are vague, such as fatigue or weakness, and may not be noticed or may be attributed to some other disorder. In women, symptoms usually start after menopause because of the loss of iron during menstrual bleeding and the increased requirement for iron during pregnancy. Symptoms vary because iron accumulation can damage any part of the body, including the brain, liver, pancreas, lungs, or heart. The first symptoms, particularly in men, may be those of Symptoms (due to liver damage) or those of Bronze-colored skin Heart Failure (HF) (occasionally) Joint pains, especially in the hands Increased risk of Overview of Liver Tumors None Overview of Infertility None An underactive thyroid gland ( Hypothyroidism ) Fatigue None In many men, levels of male hormones decrease. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may occur. Hemochromatosis can worsen neurologic disorders that are already present. 