Haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis is a condition where too much iron can build up in the body. This can damage the liver and other organs if untreated.

The name haemochromatosis is used for a few different conditions. They all have different causes. But they share a name because they can all lead to iron building up in the liver. Each type usually starts in a different age group – adults in mid-life, teens and young adults, or newborn babies.

It’s important to remember that they are separate conditions. People don’t progress from one type to another as they get older.

The most common type of haemochromatosis affects adults, and is usually diagnosed in people aged 40 or more. Most of our information is about this type of haemochromatosis. It is a genetic disease and can run in families. Having the genes for haemochromatosis does not mean you will definitely become seriously ill, so not everyone will need treatment.

Juvenile haemochromatosis is usually diagnosed in patients’ teens or twenties. It is a rare form of haemochromatosis. Symptoms are similar to haemochromatosis in older adults, but are usually worse and start at a younger age. This is because it is linked to different gene variants and iron builds up much more quickly.

Neonatal haemochromatosis is an extremely rare disorder affecting newborn babies. This does not seem to be genetic.

The information on this page is for:

Adults and children with haemochromatosis or suspected haemochromatosis.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

You can bookmark this page and come back whenever you need to.

Haemochromatosis is also known as hereditary haemochromatosis or HH, genetic haemochromatosis or GH, hemochromatosis, iron overload

Quick Summary

Haemochromatosis:

Haemochromatosis is a common condition in the UK.
In haemochromatosis iron can build up in the body. This can damage the liver and other organs.
Haemochromatosis and iron overload are diagnosed with blood tests.
There are 3 main types of haemochromatosis – (adult) haemochromatosis, juvenile haemochromatosis and neonatal haemochromatosis.
Some people with the genes for adult haemochromatosis never develop iron overload and do not need treatment.
Common symptoms of iron overload include joint pain and fatigue. It can be possible to avoid other symptoms with treatment.
The sooner iron overload is diagnosed and treated, the lower the risk of any organ damage.
With treatment as needed, people with haemochromatosis have a normal life expectancy.

Find out more about haemochromatosis using the links below.

Find out more

Heamochromatosis in adults

Adult haemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes iron to build up in the body.

What is haemochromatosis?

How is haemochromatosis passed on?

The risk of iron overload

Symptoms

Tests and diagnosis

Treatment

Future treatments

Complications and related conditions

Living with haemochromatosis

Haemochromatosis in babies, children and young adults

Neonatal haemochromatosis

Neonatal haemochromatosis is caused by the mother’s immune system attacking the baby’s liver. It is usually diagnosed before or just after birth.

Download the neonatal haemochromatosis factsheet

Juvenile haemochromatosis

Juvenile haemochromatosis is an inherited condition, it is usually diagnosed in teenagers or young adults. It is not the same as adult haemochromatosis. It is linked to different genes and is usually more serious.

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This content was last reviewed: September 2025

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Jeremy Shearman, Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist, South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust, Sister Kim Hicks, Medical Day Unit Haemochromatosis Nurse, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Dr Indra van Mourik, Consultant Paediatric Hepatologist (retired). And all our patient reviewers.

Liver UK thanks CSL Behring for their kind donation to support the development of this information. CSL Behring has had no influence in the initiation, development or content of this project.

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