What Are The Causes And Symptoms Of Too Much Iron

By rjoachim | September 3, 2023
  • Hereditary hemochromatosis: This is a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food.
  • Repeated blood transfusions: This can happen in people with certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
  • Iron supplements: Taking too many iron supplements can also lead to iron overload.
  • Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as liver disease and chronic alcoholism, can interfere with the body’s ability to get rid of excess iron.

The symptoms of iron overload can vary depending on how much iron is stored in the body. In mild cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the amount of iron increases, the following symptoms may develop:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Heart problems
  • Liver damage
  • Diabetes
  • Skin problems
  • Infertility
  • Cognitive problems

If you think you may have iron overload, it’s important to see a doctor. They can do blood tests to measure your iron levels and diagnose the condition. If you are diagnosed with iron overload, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to reduce your iron levels and prevent complications.

Here are some of the things that can happen if you have too much iron:

  • Liver damage: Iron can build up in the liver and damage it. This can lead to liver cirrhosis, a serious condition that can cause liver failure.
  • Heart problems: Iron can build up in the heart and damage it. This can lead to heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body.
  • Diabetes: Iron can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. This can lead to diabetes.
  • Arthritis: Iron can build up in the joints and cause pain and inflammation.
  • Skin problems: Iron can build up in the skin and cause it to turn a bronze or gray color.
  • Infertility: Iron can interfere with fertility in both men and women.
  • Cognitive problems: Iron can build up in the brain and cause problems with memory, thinking, and judgment.

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked for iron overload. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

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