All that is hypogonadal in haemochromatosis is not due to iron deposition.
BACKGROUND
Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive condition resulting in excessive gastrointestinal absorption of iron, which may be deposited in various organs. Apart from diabetes, hypogonadism is the most common endocrinopathy associated with HH and is usually secondary to excess iron deposition in the anterior pituitary gland.


OBJECTIVE
We present three patients with HH and hypogonadism.


RESULTS
Careful clinical and biochemical analysis revealed that the hypogonadism was due to causes other than iron deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
This series illustrates the importance of having a high degree of clinical suspicion, even when dealing with what may clinically appear to be a straight-forward clinical problem.
O'Sullivan
E P
EP
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland. eoinposullivan@yahoo.ie
McDermott
J H
JH
Howel Walsh
C
C
D000368:Aged; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D058085:Iron Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D058085:Iron Compounds