Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is basically a health condition where there is an overload of iron in the blood. There are many potential causes for this to happen, such as advanced alcoholism, pregnancy, certain early infant conditions and hereditary/genetic factors. This website is focused on the hereditary caused version of this condition. Hemochromatosis is generally treated by reducing the amount of iron intake in ones diet, reducing the amount of foods that increase iron absorption, and removing iron from the blood with regular phlebotomies (Blood donations). Hemochromatosis in it s advanced forms can cause a range of complications due to long erm iron overload in the blood leading to iron overload in the heart, kidneys and liver. This can lead to schirossis (scarring) of the liver, kidney failure and heart disease. Other long term potential side effects include impotency and heart failure. If you have the diease, I hope you found it early enough to prevent these types of things.
How do you know if you have the hereditary version of the condition or one of the others? There is a test you can take which determines whether or not you carry the genetic mutation for hemochromatosis. Both of your parents must be carriers of the gene for you to have the condition. The incidence of the disease is pretty low, so it may not be very likely that you know if one or both of your parents are carriers of the disease. Also, remember that it is far more likely for men to have the disease than women. One theory I have heard related to the gender disparity is that because women have a monthly menstruation cycle, they lost enough blood regularly to limit the potential effects of iron overload, and hence less frequently develop the disease/condition.
Is there a cure for Hereditary Hemochromatosis? Unfortunately there is not. However, by controlling your diet and donating your blood frequently (as defined and recommended bby your doctor or health care professional) it can be managed/treated pretty effectively, assuming you catch it early on before serious side effects or long term issues develop.
Take a look at the Phlebotomy page for an overview on blood donations and navigating the therapeutic plan you will be working on with your doctor.
