The intestines in our body are responsible for absorbing the right amount of iron from the food we consume.
A gene mutation can occur in rare cases, causing your body to absorb more iron than it needs. As a result, your body stores excessive amounts of iron without getting rid of it.
The build-up accumulation of iron can cause severe damage to your organ, mainly the liver, heart, pancreas, etc. Read this guide to discover how this iron overload happens and its treatment.
What is Iron Overload?
Iron overload is a metabolic disorder in which iron is over-accumulated in your blood levels. The excessive iron levels are stored in your blood, and with no way to get out – this overload leads to organ damage.
It is also called haemochromatosis. This gradual process shows no noticeable symptoms at the early stage. A haemochromatosis test is the only reliable way to know if you have high levels of iron in your blood. The test aims to measure the iron stored in your body.
Symptoms of Haemochromatosis
People with haemochromatosis never show prominent symptoms. Especially those with hereditary mostly show signs of iron overload in their mid-30s.
Haemochromatosis is more common in men than women. It is because a woman loses extra iron during the monthly menstrual cycle and pregnancy until menopause. On the other hand, men have no way to get rid of the build-up iron.
Early Symptoms
Here is a list of early symptoms that may indicate you have iron overload;
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history of diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and heart failure.
- Constant body fatigue
- Weakness
- Knuckle pain
- Joint pressure
-
Abdomen pain
- Sudden weight loss
- Heart flutter
Later Symptoms
Haemochromatosis is common in adults, especially those in their 50s and 60s. It is because iron toxicity takes a long time to happen. Whether inherited or not, some symptoms that may indicate the later stage of haemochromatosis are;
- Libido loss
- Poor sex drive
- Permanent skin tan (bronze or grey)
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach swelling
- Jaundice
- Joint stiffness
- Chest pain
- Redness and swellness of hands
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Shrinking testicles
- Foggy memory
You should consult a doctor or go for a haemochromatosis test if you experience the above-listed symptoms. The test is simple, quick, and painless. It will measure the iron levels in your blood. Moreover, you can also go for a liver biopsy if you are older than 40 to see your liver condition.
Treatment for Haemochromatosis
There is no permanent cure for this metabolic disorder. However, early diagnosis and intense medication can help control the amount of iron in your blood.
Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy, also known as venesection, is a common treatment used to relieve the symptoms and damage of haemochromatosis. The process includes draining your blood.
Chelation Therapy
Another treatment for haemochromatosis is chelation therapy. This process is similar to phlebotomy. But, instead of draining your blood through veins, you undergo a medicinal course to remove the iron from your blood through urine and sometimes poo.
Final Words
If you feel at risk of developing iron overload, the best action is to go for a haemochromatosis test and MRI scan. It can help relieve your concern by showing you the iron levels in your blood.