Hemochromatosis DNA Test
Uncover your risk for hereditary hemochromatosis with a simple DNA test
- Identifies the most common mutations in the HFE gene
- 1 in 9 people of European ancestry carry one HFE mutation
- 1 in 200 inherit two defective copies and are at higher risk of hemochromatosis
$195.00
If you already took the DNA Hemochromatosis Test, login to your Genebase account to access this app.
If you have not taken the DNA Hemochromatosis Test, take the DNA test to access this app.
Detailed Description
Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the western world. It’s a disease characterized by absorbing too much iron from the diet. This iron accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing organ damage and serious health complications.
While iron accumulates from a young age, the symptoms do not appear until later in life. On average, men develop symptoms between the ages of 30-50, compared to women who are diagnosed after 50, often 10-15 years after menopause.
If detected early, hemochromatosis is easily treated. Treatment includes blood removal every 2 – 4 months to remove excess iron. If a diagnosis is made at later stages after organ damage has occurred, the damages are irreversible.
The Genetics
This DNA test identifies three specific changes in the HFE gene that are associated with an increased risk of hemochromatosis.
- C282Y
- H63D
- S65C
C282Y is the most common mutation, and is associated with the most severe symptoms. H63D and S65C are two other mutations that can increase the risk of hemochromatosis. However, often other precipitating factors (e.g. hepatitis or alcohol abuse) are also required before iron overload occurs.
Understanding your genetic risk for AD can encourage early monitoring and allow drug treatment to begin as soon as possible to delay the progression of the disease.
Likelihood of Symptoms
To be at an increased risk of hemochromatosis, two defective copies of the HFE gene need to be inherited. Carriers, who have one normal and one defective HFE gene, are generally unaffected.
Although individuals who inherit two defective HFE genes are at increased risk of developing hemochromatosis, many will not show any disease symptoms. Additional modifying genes or other factors (e.g. alcohol abuse) are thought to contribute to the risk of hemochromatosis in genetically susceptible individuals.
Early Symptoms
Hemochromatosis is hard to diagnose based on physical symptoms alone, because these symptoms are also seen in many other health conditions. Early symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Characteristic “Iron Fist” (knuckle pain)
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Shortness of breath
- Heart flutters
- High blood sugar
- Low thyroid function
How It Works
Order your test kit
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Test your DNA
A simple, painless mouth swab is all that’s needed
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