Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. This build-up of iron, known as iron overload can cause unpleasant symptoms. If it is not treated, this can damage part of the body such as liver, joints, pancreas, and heart.

Symptoms of hemochromatosis usually start between the ages of 30-60. Common symptoms include feeling very tired all the time (fatigue), weight loss, weakness, joint pain, erectile dysfunction, irregular or absent periods.

Hemochromatosis is caused by a faulty gene that affects how the body absorbs iron from your diet. You are a risk of developing the condition if both of your parents have this faulty gene and you inherit 1 copy from each of them. You will not get hemochromatosis if you only inherit 1 copy of the faulty gene, but there is still a chance you could pass the faulty gene on to any children you may have. Even if you do inherit 2 copies of the gene, you will not necessarily get hemochromatosis, only a small number of people develop the conditions, it is not known exactly why.

If the condition is diagnosed and treated early on, it does not affect life expectancy and is unlikely to result in serious problems. But if it is not found until its in the more advanced stages the high iron levels can damage body parts. This can lead to serious complications such as, liver problems, including cirrhosis or liver cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or even heart failure.

Treatment for hemochromatosis is done safely and effectively by removing blood from your body (phlebotomy) regularly, in a similar procedure to blood donation. The removed blood includes red blood cells that contain iron, and your body will use up more iron to replace them, helping reduce the amount of iron in your blood. If phlebotomy is not possible due to thin or fragile veins, chelation therapy involves taking medication that removes iron from your blood and releases it into your urine or poo.

You do not need to make any big changes to your diet such as eliminating all foods containing iron, as it is unlikely to be of much help, however you will be advised to eat a balanced diet, and avoid foods that have added iron or iron supplements, or alcohol as it greatly increases the risk of liver damage in people with hemochromatosis.