Celtic Curse is a common term for hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), also called genetic haemochromatosis (GH), which can cause iron overload that damages joints, liver, and other organs. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sex problems. HH can cause long term disability or even death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. During menopause it can lead to hemopause.

The disorder sometimes known as 'the Celtic curse' causes the body to absorb excessive amounts of iron.

The iron is deposited in various organs including the liver, heart, pancreas and the joints causing an iron overload.

Once regarded as rare, as many as one in eight people in Ireland are now found to be carrying the gene.