Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder in which your body absorbs and stores too much iron from food. Over time, excess iron accumulates in organs like the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and skin. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage. Early diagnosis and management help prevent complications and keep you feeling your best.
Symptoms often develop slowly and may be subtle at first. As iron builds up, you might notice:
Hemochromatosis can result from several underlying factors:
With a focus on patient-centered care and specialized iron-overload management, GastroDoxs in Katy delivers expert hemochromatosis diagnostics and treatment-from phlebotomy and chelation therapy to tailored dietary guidance and regular iron monitoring. Our compassionate team will build a personalized care plan to help you safely manage iron levels and protect your liver, heart, and joints. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward long-term health and vitality.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Hemochromatosis is first diagnosed with blood tests measuring serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. If results suggest iron overload, genetic testing for HFE mutations or other evaluations (imaging or biopsy) may follow.
Testing for iron overload begins with serum ferritin and transferrin saturation blood tests. In some cases, MRI imaging of the liver or a liver biopsy is used to assess iron deposition more precisely.
Treatment typically starts with regular phlebotomy (blood removal) to lower excess iron. If phlebotomy isn't possible, iron chelation medications may be prescribed. Dietary adjustments also help manage iron uptake.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder caused by mutations in genes (most commonly HFE) that regulate iron absorption, leading the body to absorb and store too much iron from the diet.
While vitamin C is important for health, high doses should be avoided in hemochromatosis because it enhances iron absorption. Moderate dietary vitamin C from fruits and vegetables is generally safe.
Patients with hemochromatosis are advised to limit red meat, shellfish, iron-fortified cereals, and alcohol. Avoid vitamin C supplements and choose low-iron foods like dairy, eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables.
During the initial "de-ironing" phase, phlebotomy may be performed weekly until iron levels normalize. Once stable, maintenance treatments typically occur every 2-3 months, depending on individual iron tests.
Untreated hemochromatosis can lead to iron deposition in the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and other organs, causing cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other serious complications.
You should consult a gastroenterologist or hematologist if routine blood tests show elevated ferritin or transferrin saturation, if you have symptoms suggestive of iron overload, or if there's a family history of hemochromatosis.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most individuals with hemochromatosis lead full, healthy lives. Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment significantly reduce the risk of complications.
