Well, after a routine set of test last week to monitor my Thyroid Function (essential since I don’t eat fish), my GP found some worrying results. In addition to being Vitamin D deficient (critically low), having high blood sugar …… its seems I am showing signs of hemochromatosis, or iron overload. My grandfather has this, and I wasn’t actually aware that its a genetic disorder. The frustrating part, is that when researching the disorder, it lists all the problems and symptoms that I have been dealing with for the last 20 years, including the heart irregularities. But iron overload is often hidden in women. Its only showing in my blood work now, because its been 5 years since my hysterectomy.
So …. I am on vitamin D, I have to watch my diet a bit more (than I already do), and I will probably have to visit the vampires regularly until my iron levels stabilise.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease in which too much iron builds up in your body. It is one of the most common genetic diseases in the United States.
Iron is a mineral found in many foods. Your body normally absorbs about 10 percent of the iron in the food you eat. If you have hemochromatosis, you absorb more iron than you need. Your body has no natural way to get rid of the extra iron. It stores it in body tissues, especially the liver, heart and pancreas. The extra iron can damage your organs. Without treatment, it can cause your organs to fail.
