If hemochromatosis is not detected early and treated, iron may accumulate in body tissues and may eventually lead to serious problems such as:

• arthritis
• liver disease, including an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure
• damage to the pancreas, possibly causing diabetes
• heart abnormalities, such as irregular heart rhythms or congestive heart failure
• impotence
• early menopause
• abnormal pigmentation of the skin, making it look gray or bronze
• pituitary damage
• damage to the adrenal gland