Symptoms of Hemochromatosis

Summary

Hemochromatosis often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is considered rare, and doctors may not think to test for it. The initial symptoms can be diverse and vague and can mimic the symptoms of many other diseases. In addition, doctors may focus on the conditions caused by hemochromatosis -- for example, arthritis, liver disease, heart disease, or diabetes -- rather than on the underlying iron overload. However, if the iron overload caused by hemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated before organ damage has occurred, a person can generally live a normal, healthy life.