Hemochromatosis often affects sexual health. The pituitary gland regulates hormones, and if it becomes overloaded with iron, it prevents the sex hormones from being released as they are supposed to. Decreased sex drive is a common early symptom in both men and women. One study shows that 46% of men with the condition complained of a loss of libido, while 29% disclosed that they had difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Without treatment, hemochromatosis can lead to testicular shrinkage in men and hypogonadism in both men and women. Additionally, some women experience early menopause.

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