A buildup of iron in the body may damage the endocrine system—the network of glands that release hormones throughout the body. The endocrine system helps control your metabolism, growth, development and puberty, and reproductive system.
- Interrupted or no menstruation
- Hot flashes
- Decreased sex drive
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of facial or body hair
- Enlarged breasts
- Small testicles
When iron overload affects the endocrine system in young people, it can prevent normal sexual development, a condition called hypogonadism.
This condition in girls can prevent:
- Menstruation
- Breast development
- Normal growth
After puberty, girls with hypogonadism typically stop menstruating, have a lower sex drive, and experience hot flashes—effects that are common in menopause.
This condition in boys causes:
- Problems with normal growth
- Less muscle mass
- Less facial hair
People can have iron overload and have no symptoms. Other people may mistake the signs and symptoms of iron overload for other conditions. For this reason, people with iron overload often don't know they have it until they have serious health problems.
If you've had or are having blood transfusions, be sure to ask your doctor about iron overload and how it may affect your endocrine system. A simple blood test called the serum ferritin test can tell your doctor how much iron is in your body. If your serum ferritin level continues to be over 1000 mcg/L (micrograms per liter), you have iron overload and should talk with your doctor about treatment options.
