For example, iron buildup in the pituitary gland, which controls hormone production in the brain, may trigger impotence in men and early menopause in women. There have also been reports of greater incidence among Hispanics and South African blacks. The best way to get rid of excess iron is through periodic bloodletting. That usually means giving up a pint every week or two for a year, and then once every few months or so. Menstruation may help some women, but it doesn't protect them entirely.
Doctors use three blood tests to measure the amount of iron in the body.
For best results, anyone taking the tests should avoid iron supplements, including multivitamins, for at least a week beforehand. Even then, doctors don't always recognize the problem. There's still a perception that if the iron levels aren't low, you don't need to worry. Some doctors believe everyone should be tested for hemochromatosis. But that could be a problem since the tests aren't foolproof.