Skip Navigation Home | About CDC | Press Room | Funding | A-Z Index | Centers, Institute & Offices | Training & Employment | Contact Us
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Home Page
horizontal line  
 

Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis: Home

This Web site provides information about hemochromatosis (HE-mo-KRO-ma-TOE-sis) to help patients and their families learn more about the disease.

photo of a family
Like other genetic diseases, hemochromatosis runs in families.

   

The site includes the following information:


What is hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron). This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body’s tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body’s organs.


What are the causes?

Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.


What are the symptoms?

Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:

  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Joint pain

Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.


How is it detected?

The iron overload associated with hemochromatosis can be detected through two blood tests. The tests measure how much iron is in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor’s office.

If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).


What is the treatment?

Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. The treatment is safe and effective. Patients can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.

back to top


rectangle border
horizontal dividing line
Email this page Email this page
Printer-friendly version Printer-friendly version
horizontal dividing line
horizontal line
Topic Contents
 arrow Home
 arrow Signs and Symptoms
  arrow Causes and Risk Factors
  arrow Detection and Diagnosis
  arrow Treatment
  arrow Self-Care Tips
  arrow Information for Relatives
  arrow Frequently Asked Questions
  arrow For More Information
  arrow CDC Team Activities
  arrow Training for Professionals
  arrow Glossary of Terms
horizontal line
blackdots
Quick Links
 Division of Blood Disorders  
 Nutrition  
 Physical Activity  
 Overweight and Obesity  
rectangle border

Hemochromatosis: What Every Clinician and Health Care Professional Needs to Know
Hemochromatosis: What Every Clinician and
Health Care Professional Needs to Know

Cover of Iron Overload and Hemocromatosis Brochure:  Information for Patients and Their Families
Iron overload and Hemochromatosis
Information for Patients and Family

 
blackdots
 

Contact Info

Thank you for visiting the CDC-NCBDDD Web site. Click here to contact the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

We are not able to answer personal medical questions. Please see your health care provider concerning appropriate care, treatment, or other medical advice.
 

blackdots
 
Date last reviewed: 06/18/2008
Content source: Division of Hereditary Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
  
  Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | e-Government | FOIA | Contact Us
Safer, Healthier People

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435
FirstGovDHHS Department of Health
and Human Services