Hemochromatosis Support Group

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by improper processing by the body of dietary iron which causes iron to accumulate in a number of body tissues, eventually causing organ dysfunction. It is the main iron overload disorder. Hemochromatosis is notorious for having symptoms that are often initially misattributed to other diseases.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Hemochromatosis Support Group

weight gain and hair loss

dora62
dora62

is anyone experiencing weight gain and hair loss? i get weighed every week and each week i am heavier. is this a part of iron overload? 

Cap6
Cap6
I haven't noticed any weight gain. I have lost some weight as am not terribly hungry, but do notice a lot of hair loss! The hair on my head is considerably thinner, eyelashes very thin and haven't had to shave my legs in six months. Depressing!!!!
starlor81
starlor81
I’ve gained weight also. I was wondering if I was the only person that has experienced that. It’s very depressing. Seems like it would be opposite.
Pudding80
Pudding80
dora62, Cap6 and starlor81,

I never had a problem with weight gain throughout my life until the menopause. I have gained a lot of weight since the menopause, which for me happened when I was 57 and this is when I began to have symptoms of HH.

My hair has always been very fine but it has fallen out at an alarming rate since I started having venesections / phlebotomies for HH i.e. 3.5 years now. It clogs up the shower plug hole and winds around the vacuum cleaner brushes. I have to put my hair up when I cook and eat as it falls out throughout the day.
dora62
dora62
the hair loss plus the weight gain is very depressing.
CharlieChan
CharlieChan
Did you have your doctor run a complete thyroid panel, not just your Tsh? Hypothyroidism can develop because of hemochromatosis. Hypothyroidism causes weight gain and thin hair.
Pudding80
Pudding80
CharlieChan,

Thank you for the advice. I'll ask if this can be done.
Cap6
Cap6
My doctor did a complete thyroid panel and all was normal. Things I have googled and read show hair loss as one of the symptoms. But, here is my questions - my levels are coming down. When does the hair grow back. My head is so thin.