Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) denotes a group of uncommon genetic disorders characterized by the buildup of iron in various organs, including the skin, heart, liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, and joints.
Because the body lacks the capability to enhance iron excretion, an excess of iron can accumulate, resulting in abnormal storage that gradually becomes toxic, causing harm to tissues and organs.
Symptoms of hemochromatosis include fatigue, weight loss, joint discomfort, a bronze or grey skin tone, abdominal pain, and a reduced sex drive. Typically, these symptoms surface in adulthood, often after a significant surplus of iron has amassed in the body. Most individuals do not experience symptoms until later in life, typically after the age of 40 in men and 60 in women.
As the condition advances, affected individuals may develop arthritis, liver complications such as cirrhosis or cancer, diabetes, heart irregularities, and skin discoloration. The root cause of hemochromatosis lies in a faulty gene, commonly the HFE gene, which can be inherited from parents and affects the body's ability to absorb iron from food.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis Overview
