Menopause And Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are not considered a common symptom in perimenopause and menopause but some women do suffer with this. Signs that your nails have become brittle include: splits, peeling, ridges, and nails that are easily cracked, chipped or broken. Your nails may become yellow or curl up at the ends. Nails can also become thinner than they were in previous years.
Both hair and nails are made of the same stuff called keratin. In the case of your nails the keratin is made at the root of the nail in the nail bed. The nail protects the softer more vulnerable skin underneath it. So your nails aren’t just a decorative part of your hands they also perform an important function too.
Despite the practical function of the nails many women like their nails to be an attractive part of their look. Fingernails that are nicely manicured, varnished/lacquered, or even decorated can make you feel more attractive and more self confident. Not just in your personal life but also at work, particularly if your hands are on display regularly as part of your job. So signs of deterioration in your nails can be distressing.
What Causes Brittle Nails In Perimenopause And Menopause?
Hormonal Causes:
The fluctuation of hormones during perimenopause, and the lowered levels during menopause and postmenopause, can cause problems with your nails. Not just your fingernails but your toenails too. The change in oestrogen levels in particular, can have a negative effect on nail growth and nail health. Because oestrogen helps the body to regulate its fluid levels when the levels of oestrogen drop there is a risk of dehydration. Dehydration in the body can affect the production of keratin. If keratin production becomes low the growth and condition of your nails will be affected. Nails can become weak, brittle, ridged or yellowed for example.
There are a few simple ways to improve the look and condition of weak, brittle nails. Take a look at my Tips and Tricks section at the end of this article for a few ideas that you might like to try.
Other Causes:
While brittle and problem nails can be a part of natural hormonal changes it’s important to remember that it can also be an indication of an underlying health issue. If you have other symptoms alongside the changes to your nails, or you are concerned about the changes, you need to see your doctor for professional help and advice.
Below are a few examples of health issues that can affect the health and condition of your nails but that also need medical attention.
- Fungal infections in the nails (finger and/or toe)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Liver disease
- Anaemia
- Poor circulation
- Dehydration
Tips and Tricks
Diet
Good hydrationand a healthy diet are important for nail growth and keeping them in good condition. Foods rich in calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids are great for strong, healthy nail growth.
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include: salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, eggs and soy.
Calcium rich foods include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Also beans, legumes and bok choy. There’s a surprising amount of non-dairy foods that are a good source of calcium.
Eating an overall healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables, lean protein, pulses, whole grains and nuts will also help to improve the condition of your nails.
Hydration
Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration will have a negative effect on keratin production and your overall wellbeing.
Moisturising
Moisturising your nails regularly will help reduce breakage. There are quite a few nail and hand creams available to buy. Make sure that any creams/lotions you buy are suitable for nails too as some ingredients in hand creams may dry out your nails.
Nail and cuticle soak
You can soak your fingertips in essential oils to help moisturise both your nails and your cuticles. Almond oil is generally recommended for this but you can also use a variety of other oils including coconut oil. Always follow the dilution instructions on any essential oil that you choose as most essential oils should not be used undiluted.
Keeping your nails short
This can also help to guard against breakage. Shorter nails are less likely to snag and split than longer ones. Nails don’t need to be long to look attractive. You can do your own manicure or treat yourself to a professional one. A professional manicurist will also be able to give you some help and advice about keeping your nails healthy and looking their best.
Toe Nails
Toe nails are usually kept short but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the health of your toenails won’t suffer due to hormonal changes or illness/infection. Take care of your toenails as your would your fingernails. You might like to treat yourself to a pedicure and get some professional help and advice about how to keep your toenails as healthy and attractive as your fingernails.
Nail Polish
Nail varnish/ lacquer and nail jewels look lovely. But if your nails are problematic it’s best to keep these to a minimum. Just use them on special occasions or as a treat to cheer you up.
Nail varnish/ lacquer removers that contain acetone should be avoided as they dry out the nail. Choose one that doesn’t contain acetone. You can buy nail varnish remover that is also conditioning. Shop around to find yourself a suitable one.
Protect Your Hands
Protect your nails whenever you’re doing something that means your hands will spend some time submerged in water. Wearing gloves when washing up for example will help. There are several different sorts of gloves you can buy to protect your hands and nails from water, rubber, latex and non-latex for example.
Cold Weather
Don’t forget that cold winter weather can dry out your nails too, so protect your nails with warm winter gloves when you go out and about. Don’t wait for your hands to feel cold before you put your gloves on. Put them on just before you leave the house. This way your nails will be protected and your hands will stay warm for longer. Keep a pair of warm gloves in your coat pocket so that you are prepared for any abrupt changes in the weather.
