Some sufferers exhibit pronounced mood swings and other personality changes such as severe depression or anger. While all joints are susceptible, one of the earliest symptoms is arthritis of the knuckles of the first and second fingers. A single blood test is available, known as Iron Profile, from which the serum trasferrin saturation percentage can be calculated. The tests should be considered when there is a family history of hemochromatosis or there are symptoms of the illness. In these cases, screening is recommended as early as age ten.
Early treatment is considered very important.
There is no cure for hemochromatosis and treatment is ongoing. There is a procedure to reduce the build up of iron in the body especially if detected early. Iron supplements taken by some individuals to overcome iron deficiency, may have a harmful effect on anyone who suffers from an overload of iron in the body. Food containing iron supplements and self-prescription of iron can add to overload if there is not an iron deficiency. Medical advice is important.