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Hemochromatosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Metabolic Problems

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a condition characterized by the toxic buildup of excess iron in the body's tissues, which can lead to organ damage if left untreated.

Overview

Hemochromatosis is a disease in which too much iron builds up in your body. Your body needs iron, but too much of it is toxic. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb more iron than you need. Your body has no natural way to get rid of the extra iron, so it stores it in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas. The extra iron can damage your organs, and without treatment, it can cause your organs to fail.

Types

  • Primary hemochromatosis: An inherited disease.
  • Secondary hemochromatosis: Usually the result of something else, such as anemia, thalassemia, liver disease, or blood transfusions.

Symptoms

Many symptoms of hemochromatosis are similar to those of other diseases, and not everyone has symptoms. If you do, you may experience:

  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • General weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach pain

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your doctor will diagnose hemochromatosis based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and the results from tests and procedures. Treatments include removing blood (and iron) from your body, medicines, and changes in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the initial treatment phase, called phlebotomy, you may need to have blood removed once or twice a week until your iron levels return to normal. Once your iron stores are depleted, you will move to a maintenance phase, which typically involves having blood removed every one to four months for the rest of your life to prevent iron from building up again.
No, diet changes alone are not sufficient to treat hemochromatosis because the amount of iron absorbed from food is too small to significantly lower high iron levels. However, dietary adjustments are important as part of management. You should avoid alcohol, which can worsen liver damage, and limit raw shellfish, which can carry a type of bacteria that thrives in iron-rich environments.
If left untreated, excess iron accumulates in vital organs, leading to serious complications. This can result in liver cirrhosis, an increased risk of liver cancer, heart failure, diabetes due to pancreas damage, and permanent joint pain. Early diagnosis and regular phlebotomy can prevent these irreversible organ damages.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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