What is it?

Hemochromatosis is a disorder in which there is an excessive buildup of iron in the cells. Iron can accumulate in the liver, skin, heart, pancreas, joints and pituitary gland and cause these organs damage. Primary or hereditary hemochromatosis is caused due a mutation in the HFE gene which controls the amount of iron absorbed from the food. Even though the condition is hereditary, symptoms usually start at the age of 40 for men and 60 for women. Also, males are more likely to develop complications. Secondary hemochromatosis results from different medical conditions such as erythropoietic hemochromatosis- a condition in which the red blood cells are fragile and release too much iron to the blood flow. Other reasons may be alcoholism, iron supplements, vitamin C supplements, frequent blood transfusion or a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease. Complications of hemochromatosis include liver failure, diabetes, arthritis, arrhythmias, heart failure, skin discoloration, adrenal glands damage, menstrual irregularities and erectile dysfunction.