Haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis is a condition in which the body absorbs too much iron. We assess suspected iron overload, HFE-related hereditary haemochromatosis, and the need for therapeutic venesection in Sunbury and Williamstown.
What it is
In hereditary haemochromatosis, most often related to HFE gene variants common in people of European ancestry, iron slowly accumulates in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Many people are found after iron studies show a high ferritin and transferrin saturation, or after a relative is diagnosed. Fatigue, joint pain, abnormal liver tests, or bronze skin colour can occur, but ferritin is also raised by inflammation, fatty liver, alcohol, and other illnesses, so a high ferritin alone does not mean haemochromatosis. Genotype, iron studies over time, and sometimes liver assessment are interpreted together. Only your own clinicians can advise on your results — talk to your GP rather than self-diagnosing from a gene report.
How we help
We distinguish iron overload that needs treatment from a raised ferritin that needs a different explanation. Where hereditary haemochromatosis is confirmed and iron is elevated, therapeutic venesection is the usual way to lower stores, followed by a less frequent maintenance schedule. We also advise on family screening (adult first-degree relatives, via their GPs), alcohol and liver health, and when hepatology input is needed. Venesection can be performed at our clinics. People who are not iron-overloaded, or who have genotypes of uncertain significance, may need monitoring rather than immediate venesection.
For patients
- Bring iron studies, liver tests, and any HFE genotyping you already have.
- Venesection, if recommended, is a supervised blood-draw used as treatment — see our venesection page.
- Do not start iron supplements or vitamin C in high dose unless your doctors have agreed it is safe.
- Family members should discuss screening with their own GP; we can outline who is usually offered testing.
- Clinics are in Sunbury (Vineyard Medical Centre) and Williamstown (Williamstown Specialist Centre).
For GPs
- Refer persistently elevated transferrin saturation and ferritin, known C282Y homozygosity or compound heterozygosity with raised iron studies, and suspected iron overload.
- Please include serial iron studies, LFT, FBC, alcohol history, metabolic context, and genotype if already done.
- We are happy to advise if venesection should start before or after further liver assessment.
- Patients with decompensated liver disease or suspected alternative overload (for example transfusion-related) may need a different pathway — note this on the referral.
When to refer
- Raised transferrin saturation and ferritin suggesting iron overload
- Confirmed hereditary haemochromatosis needing a venesection plan or specialist review
- Uncertain interpretation of HFE genotype and iron studies
- Family history of haemochromatosis with abnormal iron studies
Clinics and referrals
Consultations are at Sunbury Clinic, Vineyard Medical Centre, 2-6 Sussex Court, Sunbury VIC 3429, and Williamstown Clinic, Williamstown Specialist Centre, 87 Ferguson Street, Williamstown VIC 3016. A GP referral is required.
Related information
This page is general information about haematology conditions and services. It is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or a substitute for medical advice. Please talk to your GP if you have symptoms or abnormal blood results.