However little known, hemochromatosis is the first genetic disease in France since it affects 1 in 300 French people. This hereditary disease is linked to the disappearance of hepcidin (iron hormone) which regulates the absorption of iron at the level of the body. digestive tract. Dietary iron is then absorbed in excess and it gradually accumulates in the body where it can over time create damage, sometimes irreversible, on most organs.
Genetic hemochromatosis in women
Usually, the first symptoms appear in young women, between 20 and 35 years old. It can be an extreme fatigue, a depressive state, a loss of libido … Periods, pregnancy and breastfeeding (milk contains iron) can explain a later diagnosis in women. . This is why women must be particularly vigilant and get tested as soon as possible in case of doubt.
Advocate for early detection
Screening should be done between 20 and 35 years old because at this age, this disease linked to an iron overload of the organs is benign, whereas it is often serious, even fatal when it is discovered at 50-60 years. It can indeed lead to cirrhosis of the liver with cancer, severe heart failure or diabetes. Genetic screening is based on a simple blood test. As for the treatment, it consists in carrying out bleeding, simple and very effective to reduce the iron content of the body and to treat the affected organs.
Find out more: www.hemochromatose.fr