Question 1

how true it is that hemochromatosis is genetic?

Accepted Answer

Partly true: The disorder is called hereditary hemochromatosis and it is an autosomal recessive disorder. Meaning it is passed from parent to offspring, people can be carriers of the gene, and you have to have 2 copies of the gene to have the disorder: one from the father and one from the mother. Hemochromatosis is an iron overload which can have other causes than hereditary hemochromatosis though.

Question 2

if hemochromatosis is a genetic disease, should other family members be tested? which ones and when?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Hemochromatosis is the most common of genetic diseases.  It can have variable penitrance and manifest briskly or insiduoulsy.  It is usually not manifest until the 4th or 5th decade of life and usually in males since women lose blood/iron with menses.  A blood test can be done to diagnose and for genetics.  Counsel with your pcp, hematologist or geneticist.  Great sources on the web.  I have it!

Question 3

what does genetic inheritance of hemochromatosis mean?

Accepted Answer

Inherited: Most primary hemochromatosis is passed parent-to-child, especially if each parent supplies one defective gene, though people with a single dose may be affected. If you're not familiar with basic genetics, you need to become familiar with the terminology as it's basic to life and understanding health and disease in the 21st century.

Question 4

can someone with genetic hemochromatosis donate blood?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you're not symptomatic, there's no reason even to tell them, and in fact it's a great way to keep your body iron burden down. In fact, it's how i manage my one-dose hemochromatosis while helping others.

Question 5

i got a genetic test to see if i might have hemochromatosis. the c282y, and s65c was negative. the h63d was heterozygous. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

: There is a gene mutation and one normal copy. The gene mutation has been associated with hemochromatosis, and since you have only one copy, the clinical disease is often milder. Please consult with the ordering physician and you may also request a genetics counselor. The rest of the panel is negative or normal.

Question 6

iron studies panel was abnormal indicating hemochromatosis. doc sent me for genetic blood test to confirm. if this is positive, what is the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Blood letting: The treatment is relatively simple. Periodically, some of your blood is drained out to remove iron along with your red cells. Done regularly it would prevent excess iron accumulation and the usual damage excess iron causes.

Question 7

is it normal for someone healthy with treated genetic hemochromatosis to have high bilirubin, ph 9, & 30mg protein in urinalysis? i'm breastfeeding.

Accepted Answer

High bilirubin worry: worrisome.  Not knowing your medical history, I suggest strongly that you see your physician to determine whether you in fact have progressive hepatic fibrosis and whether your hemochromatosis was in fact successfully treated, and/or to determine the cause of your hyperbilirubinemia.

Question 8

how can i know if i have iron overload/hemochromatosis? what tests should be performed? i hear that there is a dna genetic test kit for hemochromatosis, is that true?

Accepted Answer

Iron overload: You would be best served by seeing a gastroenterologist if you suspect iron overload as the doctor can check you for many things.

Question 9

negative genetic test for hemochromatosis. normal to low ferritin. iron saturation severely elevated at 70%. iron serum as well. transferritin normal. what cases this. ?? causes ? repeated multiple times. no supplements?

Accepted Answer

: What was the indication for the iron tests? Are you completely healthy because there are several conditions which can cause high TSAT besides hemochromatosis?

Question 10

hi, dietary ideas for genetic heamocromtosis ... male?

Accepted Answer

It is iron overload: Hemochromatosis is a disease in which the body acculumates excessive iron and treatment of choice is to donate blood regularly until your iron level is down to normal/near normal range. Since it is a state of iron excess, you should minimize foods high in iron--spinache, redmeats, egg yokes, clams/oysters, beans, liver, artichokes etc...Check with doc regularly. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

Genetic hemochromatosis and statins

A member asked:

How true it is that hemochromatosis is genetic?

A member asked:

If hemochromatosis is a genetic disease, should other family members be tested? which ones and when?

A member asked:

What does genetic inheritance of hemochromatosis mean?

A member asked:

Can someone with genetic hemochromatosis donate blood?

A member asked:

I got a genetic test to see if i might have hemochromatosis. the c282y, and s65c was negative. the h63d was heterozygous. what does this mean?

A member asked:

Iron studies panel was abnormal indicating hemochromatosis. doc sent me for genetic blood test to confirm. if this is positive, what is the treatment?

A member asked:

Is it normal for someone healthy with treated genetic hemochromatosis to have high bilirubin, ph 9, & 30mg protein in urinalysis? i'm breastfeeding.

A member asked:

How can i know if i have iron overload/hemochromatosis? what tests should be performed? i hear that there is a dna genetic test kit for hemochromatosis, is that true?

A member asked:

Negative genetic test for hemochromatosis. normal to low ferritin. iron saturation severely elevated at 70%. iron serum as well. transferritin normal. what cases this. ?? causes ? repeated multiple times. no supplements?

A member asked:

Hi, dietary ideas for genetic heamocromtosis ... male?

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