However, quite often hemochromatosis is detected by coincidence, therefor many people show no symptoms yet when they are diagnosed.

If the hemochromatosis is not diagnosed and treated early enough, the excessive iron will accumulate in the body and will lead to serious problems such as

- arthritis
- liver disease (enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer, liver failure)
- damage to the pancreas
- diabetes
- heart abnormalities (irregular heart rhythms, congestive heart failure)
- impotence
- early menopause
- abnormal pigmentation of the skin (gray or bronze)
- thyroid deficiency
- damage to the adrenal glands