Symptoms at the joints

The joint spaces are often affected by the iron deposits, which can cause severe pain. Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of hemochromatosis. It occurs in every third to fourth patient.

Typically, the metacarpophalangeal joints of the index and middle finger on both hands are affected first. In the further course of the disease, however, pain may also occur in larger joints such as the knee, wrist or hip. The joint pain can occur very early and well before diagnosis. Therefore, if the iron levels are significantly elevated – especially the ferritin level (iron storage value) and the transferrin saturation (load of the iron transporter in the blood) are of importance – and if there is joint pain in the fingers, a test for hemochromatosis should be performed. Unfortunately, joint pain can worsen during the course of the disease despite therapy.

Symptoms on the nerves

Unfortunately, the effect of hemochromatosis on the nerves has not yet been sufficiently researched. It is striking, however, that compared to the rest of the population, many patients affected by hemochromatosis report polyneuropathy. In polyneuropathy, the small nerves further away from the body (periphery) are affected, i.e. not the nerves of the central nervous system.

Polyneuropathy is an umbrella term for several symptoms. These include sensations that are often localized in the feet and loss of sensitivity. The sensations are often described by affected patients as ant tingling.

Other complaints are disturbances of vibration sensation and temperature perception. Polyneuropathies can also occur as part of liver disease, diabetes mellitus or other diseases. The exact connections are unfortunately not yet known.

Symptoms at the pituitary gland – Disturbed hormone production

The increased iron deposition can lead to damage to the pituitary gland. Many hormones are produced here. Thus, damage to the pituitary gland – also known as the pituitary gland – is accompanied by disturbed hormone production.

This can cause many different symptoms. Among other things Folende:

Hypothyroidism
Pituitary Gland
Impotence
Bone Loss

In the course of hemochromatosis, the iron deposits can also cause damage to the pituitary gland. Depending on the extent of the damage, the pituitary gland may be completely or only partially restricted.

The pituitary gland produces many hormones, including TSH, which causes hormone production in the thyroid gland. If this is no longer sufficiently produced, the thyroid hormones T3/T4 are also not produced. This results in an underfunction of the thyroid gland.

This manifests itself in weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, weight gain and a slow pulse. The cause of impotence or loss of libido in hemochromatosis is an insufficient function of the pituitary gland. This can be damaged by iron overload.

This leads to a lack of hormones that stimulate the gonads in men and women. This is called secondary hypogonadism. In men, less testosterone is produced and sperm formation is disturbed.

In women, the ovaries are not sufficiently stimulated, the eggs cannot mature and ovulation does not occur. The monthly menstrual period fails to occur. The physician speaks of amenorrhea.Unfortunately, impotence only improves in a few cases after the start of therapy.

The hormone production of the adrenal gland is also controlled by the pituitary gland. If this is damaged during hemochromatosis, the adrenal gland no longer produces sufficient amounts of the vital hormone cortisol. A cortisol deficiency reduces performance.

One quickly feels tired and powerless. In addition, nausea and paleness occur due to low blood pressure. As discussed in the sub-topic impotence, hemochromatosis can lead to a reduced or altered production of the sex hormones.

The cause is damage to the pituitary gland. However, the sex hormone estrogen is also very important in the regulation of bone remodeling. It leads to an inhibition of the cells that break down the bone matrix. If there is a lack of oestrogen, bone resorption is no longer inhibited sufficiently and bone loss occurs, which is also called osteoporosis.