Is Hemochromatosis A Genetic Disorder?

Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 9 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : If my husband has hemochromotosis and I am a carrier, should our children be tested for the HFE gene?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hemochromatosis and genetics

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are concerned about children having hemochromatosis if your husband has the disease and you are a carrier. What this means is that one in four of your children will possibly inherit the full gene for hemochromatosis. If you already have children then I recommend that they be screened. It is best to catch the disease early before any liver damage.

I hope this answers your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar