Most doctors have dismissed this complaint. It affects more than one million Americans. Usually, symptoms don't appear until middle age, and then develop insidiously. The skin becomes bronze-colored, and cirrhosis, liver cancer, diabetes and heart failure develop, often resulting in premature death. Symptoms may include arthritis, impotence, infertility, hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue.
Blood tests can determine if a person has iron excess.
All relatives of an affected person should be screened. Bloodletting is the treatment of choice. Early diagnosis and treatment permit a long, healthy life. Check the calendar.