What's Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Anemia due to iron deficiency....?

• (Under Women's Heath, because of reasons. >///> I have been suffering, (not really suffering, hasn't been THAT horrible...) from Coldness in hands and feet, general lack of energy (Can't run without getting shortness of breath. Along with Dry Cracked Lips all my remembered life. (I'm 17 years old almost 18.) And recently it has escalated to some chest pain that comes and goes, pain in legs, dry thoat and mouth that makes me want to drink all the time. (Even when I'm not REALLY thirsty, I'm just trying to wet my mouth and throat.) along with sores at the corners of my mouth that crack open a lot. and once and a while pain in my tonuge. I looked up all these symtoms and FINALLY found Anemia due to iron deficiency: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/anaemiairon.htm I was wondering if this sounded like me. I REALLY hate blood tests so I would really really like to avoid the doctor. I've hid this growing problem from my mother for quite some time, (She has her own problems and pain to worry about, I don't like to complain because I know she's in pain.) As I looked at the symptoms I realized that I do have random extreme cravings for specific foods for about a week at a time. (There is no way I'm pregnant.) and an on going problem with fraying nails. I do know the source of the problem if it is indeed this, as I have extremely heavy periods which would cause this problem. I am hoping (And I seriously believe I've found the problem.) that this is the problem, because I can easily treat it with some iron supplements and vitamins to replace the missing things. Thank you for your imput, Going to get a blood test is out of the question. I kinda have a phobia of people taking my blood/needles and the sight of my own blood. On the site I saw the symptoms and MOST of them describe me to a tee. The first symptoms will be tiredness and palpitations (awareness of heartbeat). Shortness of breath and dizziness (fainting) are also common. If the anaemia is severe, you may experience angina (chest pain), headache or leg pains (intermittent claudication). Besides these general symptoms of anaemia, in pronounced and long-term cases of iron deficiency there may be: burning sensation in the tongue dryness in the mouth and throat sores at the corners of the mouth altered sense of touch brittle, spoon-shaped nails with vertical stripes and a tendency to fray pica (an insatiable craving for a specific food, eg liquorice) brittle hair difficulty swallowing.

• Answer:

  Go to the doctor. I'm male and used to be iron deficient and never experienced this. My mother is and has been iron deficient and has not experienced this either. Also, through my many readings and such, I have not seen these as symptoms for iron deficiency.