Haemochromatosis or just iron overload from stress and inflammation?

[Curious123]

Hi everyone. I have a history of iron deficiency, requiring iron infusions over the last few years. I’ve been feeling a bit wiped out/exhausted and just not right. I got a blood test privately to check my iron panel and both my iron and thyroid were out of whack. Note there is a LOT going on in my life right now (excluding Covid).

TSH: <0.01mIU/L (0.27-4.2)

Free Thyroxine: 29.8pmol/L (12.0-22.0)

Iron: 30.5nmol/L (6.6-26.0)

TIBC: 44umol/L (41-77)

Transferrin Saturation: 69% (41-77)

Ferritin: 344ug/L (13-150)

I spoke to my GP and they have ordered a Blood test to check my TSH today. They weren’t too fussed about the ferritin due to likely inflammation, however my understanding is that with inflammation serum iron and Saturation would be decreased vs my case which is increased, potentially suggesting iron overload.

A few years ago I had a mildly elevated saturation of 49% and my gastro said I could have Haemochromatosis but to not worry about testing for this and whilst I had periods it would not be a problem. I have recently significantly suppressed my monthly cycle due to Endometriosis.

I was wondering:

1. Does the above test confirm Haemochromatosis or would you need multiple tests or a different test to support a diagnosis?

2. Can high stress cause this type of reaction rather than Haemochromatosis?

3. Can the high ferritin be linked to the thyroid result (cause or effect)?

4. Is there a formal diagnosis path?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Madlegs1]

I'm not an expert here, but can assure you that your ferritin level is not high. It needs to get to over 1000 before cause for concern.

It may be due to high inflammation, caused by anything, stress included.

To set your mind at ease, it may be useful to get a DNA check.

Have you had any blood transfusions recently?

I was at ferritin 1400, after spinal surgery, and multiple transfusions ,but tested negative for HH.

Took a year to get it down to about 170.🤪

Good luck.

[Curious123 in reply to Madlegs1]

Hi Madlegs, thanks for your reply. I’ve never had a blood transfusion, only iron infusions and the last was 9 months ago and my levels were decreasing which is why this is so weird for me.

[Madlegs1 in reply to Curious123]

Inflammation raises serum ferritin.

The most likely setup in your situation.

But certainly worth following up.

Cheers.

[Curious123 in reply to Madlegs1]

Turns out I am homozygous H63D haemochromatosis gene. Definitely is an interesting journey.