Have you heard of hereditary hemochromatosis? It's a genetic condition where the body absorbs more iron than it needs from food, water, or supplements. I was diagnosed just before I turned 40, and somewhere in the early days of processing it all, I started calling myself "Rusty Robinson." A little humor goes a long way when you're sitting with something new and uncertain.
What's actually happening in the body
For those of us who have inherited these genes, we continue to store more iron than the average person. Our bodies are quite clever and will find places to hide this excess iron. Over time our bodies become rich in iron. This increased iron absorption can lead to iron overload. And iron overload HURTS.
Body pain and fatigue are two of the most common symptoms associated with this condition. You hurt all over or sometimes in a specific location such as knees, back, or hands. You feel exhausted because having too much iron is toxic to your body. People often describe a kind of fatigue that sleep doesn't fix.
But you look healthy so most people don’t fully understand how you can feel so bad. Pain and fatigue are common in many other conditions, which is why this can be difficult to spot in its early stages.
Hemochromatosis gets missed for years. Sometimes decades. It also tends to present later in women who are still menstruating, since monthly blood loss naturally lowers iron levels and can mask what's building underneath.
Over time, hemochromatosis can progress to organ damage, liver cancer, diabetes, or arthritis. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, you can prevent these more serious conditions.
I’ve often said, When you have the correct diagnosis, everything changes. So true. Once it's identified, there are many options to support the body.
How I support people navigating this
When someone is navigating hemochromatosis, I start by helping them understand their labs in a way that connects with how they actually feel in their body.
From there, support might include:
Making sense of diet and iron intake in a way that's realistic and sustainable
Reviewing supplements and identifying hidden sources of iron people don't always think about
Supporting energy, stress load, and nervous system regulation
Tending to gut health, since iron absorption starts in the digestive tract
Coordinating with labs and other providers when that's helpful
If this sounds like your story, I'd love to work together.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
