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Signs & Symptoms of Iron Overload

Iron is a mineral that helps to create hemoglobin and myoglobin, proteins that carry oxygen to cells. Some bodies lose the ability to store iron while others retain too much when illness or hereditary defects compromise iron storage functions. Hemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder, causes excess stores of iron to build up in major organs, such as the heart and liver, and can eventually damage or destroy those organs.

  1. Aches and Pains Caused by Iron Overload

    • Most pain caused by hemochromatosis centralizes in the joints, specifically in the hands. In some cases, arthritis may also appear. In some instances of iron overload, abdominal pain or cramping may become an issue.

    Reproductive Issues and Hemochromatosis

    • Iron overload can cause impotence and diminished sex drive in men. In menstruating and premenopausal women, amenorrhea, or irregular menstrual cycles, can occur along with a significant loss of libido.

    Fatigue and Iron Overload

    • Hemochromatosis can cause weakness, lethargy and even Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Such symptoms are related to a host of other illnesses; however, a positive diagnosis of iron overload cannot be based on this particular ailment alone.

    Iron Overload and Internal Organs

    • In the later stages of hemochromatosis, the major organs that have been storing the excess iron will begin to exhibit signs of distress and failure. The liver takes the brunt of iron overload and can be affected by conditions such as cancer, cirrhosis and eventually complete failure. The heart can also exhibit signs of severe stress through cardiac arythmia or congestive heart failure.

    Other Signs of Iron Overload

    • In the early stages of hemochromatosis, blood sugar levels will be significantly high. Later on, as the iron stores up in the body, diabetes can occur. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) is also known to appear in the early stages of iron overload. The outward sign of hemochromatosis is a darkening of the skin, giving it a bronze or grayish appearance.

    Detection of Iron Overload

    • The only way to get an absolute diagnosis of hemochromatosis is to have a series of blood tests completed, along with extensive questioning by your physician. Because so many of the symptoms can mimic other ailments, blood levels are the determining factor. The Transferrin Saturation, Serum Ferritin and the Unbound Iron Binding Capacity tests will reveal whether iron levels in the blood are at, below or above optimum ranges.

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