What is Haemochromatosis?
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Haemochromatosis (or ‘iron overload’) is an inherited disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron gradually accumulates, usually in the liver, pancreas, joints, heart or endocrine glands.
Ireland has the highest rates of haemochromatosis in the world, where approximately 1 in 83 people are at risk of developing haemochromatosis and 1 in 5 are carrriers of the gene.
Iron builds up slowly so symptoms may not appear until age 30 or 40. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, diabetes
The treatment of choice and the most effective strategy for the management of Haemochromatosis is Venesection (Phlebotomy), which means the removal of blood
An iron panel blood test can confirm or rule out iron overload. If both serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS) levels are raised, then a genetic test should be carried out
Links to patient information guides, diet and haemochromatosis, research and managing haemochromatosis for patients, GPs and nursing professionals
Get in touch via our helpline or email on our contact us page, our team is always ready to advise and support
We welcome all donations, which will help patients and their families and provide vital information and support services
Our members and supporters give us a collective voice to help promote awareness of haemochromatosis in Ireland and internationally. We are passionate about promoting early awareness of haemochromatosis.
You can keep up-to-date with our work and our news and events, by signing up for membership of the Irish Haemochromatosis Association or by making a donation to help us advocate for people and families with haemochromatosis.
Ann Teehan shared her story ‘The Celtic Gene’ of her haemochromatosis journey with readers of ‘Woman’s Way’ magazine last year. Ann and her family are passionate about raising awareness of haemochromatosis, Ireland’s most common genetic disorder. Thank you Ann for sharing your personal journey with us! Read on for link to pdf of full article
As we step into 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for your continued support and commitment to raising awareness about haemochromatosis. Together, we’ve made strides in educating and supporting those affected by iron overload, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead. May the new year bring all our haemochromatosis family health, happiness, and many moments of joy.
Your membership of the IHA makes us stronger and gives us a collective voice to advocate on behalf of our members, patients and their families. At this time of year, we encourage all our members to renew your annual membership and continue to be part of our 1,000 strong community!
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