What are the signs of iron overload in the body?

Iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis, can lead to a range of serious health issues in the body. The signs associated with iron overload include fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction.

Fatigue can occur because excess iron can disrupt normal metabolic processes and impair the body's ability to utilize energy effectively. Joint pain is another common symptom; excess iron can accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Abdominal pain may result from damage to organs such as the liver or pancreas, where excess iron can accumulate, leading to conditions like cirrhosis or diabetes. Liver dysfunction is a critical concern with iron overload since the liver is a primary organ for iron storage and metabolism, and excess iron can lead to serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The other options reflect symptoms that are not specifically indicative of iron overload, making them less relevant in the context of understanding the consequences of high iron levels in the body.