Stages
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases suggests the following three stages for the condition (identified by the European Association for the Study of Liver Diseases):
Genetic susceptibility but no iron overload. Individuals who have the genetic disorder only. Iron overload but no organ or tissue damage. Organ or tissue damage as a result of iron deposition.Individuals at each stage do not necessarily progress on to the next stage, and end stage disease is more common in males. Differential diagnosis
Other causes of excess iron accumulation exist, which have to be considered before haemochromatosis type 1 is diagnosed. Haemochromatosis type 2. Haemochromatosis type 3. Haemochromatosis type 4. Haemochromatosis type 5. African iron overload, formerly known as Bantu siderosis, was first observed among people of African descent in Southern Africa. Originally, this was blamed on ungalvanised barrels used to store home-made beer, which led to increased oxidation and increased iron levels in the beer. Further investigation has shown that only some people drinking this sort of beer get iron overload syndrome, and that a similar syndrome occurred in people of African descent who have had no contact with this kind of beer (e.g., African Americans). This led investigators to the discovery of a gene polymorphism in the gene for ferroportin, which predisposes some people of African descent to iron overload. Secondary haemochromatosis: its main cause is the Transfusional haemosiderosis. It is the accumulation of iron, mainly in the liver, in patients who receive frequent blood transfusions (such as those with thalassaemia).
Progesterone vaginal ring, also known as progesterone-only vaginal ring, is a form of vaginal ring used for birth control when breastfeeding. Use can begin at four weeks and continue for at least up to a year following childbirth. Failure rates with usual use is about 1.5 per 100 women. It is used within the vagina with one ring lasting three months. The woman is able to place and remove the ring herself. It is sold under the brand names Progering among others.Side effects include vaginal discharge and pain with urination. It does not appear to be associated with serious side effects. With use menstrual periods often do not resume. It was specifically made for use with breastfeeding as it does not affect milk production. It works by gradually releasing the hormone progesterone.Progesterone vaginal rings have been approved for medical use since 1998. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. As of 2014, they are available in a number of South and Central American countries. As of 2016, it is not available in the United States. It was developed by the Population Council. See also
Pharmacokinetics of progesterone § Vaginal administration


== References ==