[1][3] It is a genetic disorder that can be caused by mutations in either the HJV (also called HFE2) or HAMP genes, and is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.
[citation needed] Juvenile hemochromatosis shares signs and symptoms with many other conditions including:[2][3][4] The presence of hemochromatosis may be discovered incidentally on blood testing, or a diagnosis suspected based on symptoms may be supported or ruled out by blood testing.
[2][3][4] However, if the disease is not discovered early enough, or if progress is not well controlled, further treatments may be aimed at the symptoms of organ damage which may develop.
[3] In the event that phlebotomy is not an appropriate option or is not enough on its own to reduce iron levels, chelation medications, those that bind and remove certain metals from the blood, may be utilized.
It more commonly occurs in those of European descent, becoming apparent during the first to third decades of life, and affects males and females at similar rates.