Complex & Invisible Health / Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron. It's one of the most common genetic conditions in people of northern European ancestry.

About iron overload

Your body has no natural way to get rid of excess iron. In hemochromatosis, extra iron builds up slowly over years in organs such as the liver, heart, pancreas and joints. Early symptoms can be vague, including fatigue, joint pain and abdominal discomfort, which is one reason it's often found late.

The HFE gene

Most cases are linked to variants in the HFE gene. The most significant is C282Y; another common variant is H63D.

People with two copies of C282Y have the highest genetic risk, but not all of them develop iron overload.
Other combinations carry a lower or uncertain risk.
Iron levels are checked with blood tests such as ferritin and transferrin saturation, which a healthcare provider can order and repeat over time.

When identified early, iron overload is very manageable, often with regular blood removal. If you have a family history of hemochromatosis or unexplained high iron, talk to a healthcare provider.

Explore Related Testing

Laboratory: Genetrack · order through Wise Canary

DNA Hemochromatosis Test

$255.00

What's tested: HFE gene variants linked to hereditary hemochromatosis.
What it explores: Whether you carry HFE variants associated with absorbing and storing too much iron.
Why it may be relevant: HFE variants are the main genetic cause of hereditary hemochromatosis. Helpful if iron overload runs in your family.
Sample: Cheek (buccal) swab, collected at home

View Test

For education only. A genetic result doesn't measure your iron levels and doesn't diagnose hemochromatosis.