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Introduction to Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Risk Factors for Hereditary Hemochromatosis
In addition to the genetic mutations of the HFE gene (C282Y gene and/or the H63D gene) which must be present in order for hereditary hemochromatosis to develop, other factors that may increase the risk for phenotypic expression of hereditary hemochromatosis include:
- Gender - age of onset for males is earlier than females since females experience natural blood loss with menstruation
- Age - accumulation of iron storage typically is associated with middle age
- Family history of hemochromatosis
- Family history of liver disease
- Family history of Type II diabetes
- Northern and Western European descent
- Bronze colored skin
