I was tested for hemochromatosis 9 years ago due to elevated ferritin (iron), which can build up in organs over time and cause problems. My test was negative, and the ferritin was due to a medicine I'd been taking for decades that was metabolized by and affected my liver enzymes. I switched meds and my liver was happy again (not sure what a happy liver emoji would look like). I donated blood a few times that year and my ferritin levels went back to normal and stayed there. I'm 70, and the iron buildup was possibly also associated with menopause (an absence of blood letting). With hemochromatosis one can't donate blood for others to use, but it still can be controlled by blood draws. I imagine in the old days leeches would work, but phlebotomists are so much nicer and they give you cookies afterwards.