Addressing Flaking, Brittle Nails During Menopause

What perfectly normal, age-related condition has 34 recognized symptoms and affects only women? If you guessed menopause, you’re correct.¹ But if you’re currently experiencing symptoms that range from minor annoyances to life-altering changes during perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, you may not feel much like celebrating.

Hot flashes and night sweats are often talked about—but what about the other 32 recognized symptoms of menopause? Let's take a look at one common menopausal issue that doesn't get much attention: thin, flaking, brittle nails.

Menopause and Nail Health

Aging adults in general—but menopausal women in particular—may experience dry, brittle nails that sometimes crack or split. Weak nails can also peel or chip easily, and vertical ridges (called onychorrhexis) on the nail can sometimes occur. Cuticles can be affected by dryness experienced in the skin as well, which means hangnails can also become more problematic during menopause.² That’s a lot of trauma confined to just our hands. So, why exactly does this happen and what can you do about it?

The Estrogen Effect

As with most changes occurring in the body during menopause, hormone fluctuations are the culprit for this symptom. When estrogen levels begin to decrease during perimenopause, one of the many consequences is that the body regulates fluids less efficiently.³ This often results in dehydration, which can affect the amount of keratin—the protein that makes up nails, hair and skin—that our bodies produce.  When nail layers weaken due to inadequate amounts of keratin, they may become brittle and chip, flake, or split.⁴

Although affected nails typically won’t look as smooth and healthy as they once did, don’t worry. There are several steps you can take to combat dry, brittle nails during menopause and beyond.

Keeping Nails Strong

If you’ve experienced dry, brittle nails during menopause, lifestyle changes and products specifically designed to treat the issue may help. Here are a few ways you can pamper your nails during these transitional years.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to maintain fluid balance. Aim for 8, eight-ounce glasses each day (about 2 liters)—more if you’re exercising or it's warm outside. Coffee and tea can contribute to your daily water intake, too, as long as they’re consumed in moderation. Be sure to remain conscious of your caffeine intake overall, as it is a known diuretic and can contribute to increased dehydration.⁵

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

High-quality moisturizers can help keep your hands and nails from drying out, so use them as you go about your day, as frequently as needed. Just be sure to look out for and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals—instead, consider moisturizers that contain shea butter or avocado oil in their ingredients. Additionally, the best time to use a moisturizer is after the skin is exposed to water, so apply right after washing your hands or taking a shower to help prevent dry, brittle nails and to lock in moisture.⁶

Check Your Diet

It’s important to eat healthy meals and snacks during menopause to help maintain your overall health and wellness. Certain foods, however, do contain nutrients necessary for nail growth, so try to incorporate these in your diet regularly: ⁷

• Seafood – which contains zinc, a necessary nutrient for cell growth
• Fresh fruit – those containing vitamin C, which can prevent nails from becoming brittle
• Eggs – a protein-rich food which can help increase nail strength
• Peanuts – which contain biotin (vitamin B7); 2.5 mg of biotin per day can increase the firmness of nails⁸

Calcium and vitamin D are also important for supporting good nail health. If you aren’t getting enough of these through the foods you eat, consider talking with your healthcare provider about adding a dietary supplement to your diet.⁹

Avoid Damage

Thin, brittle nails may break or split easily. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to avoid physically stressing weak nails during menopause: ¹⁰

• Keep nails short – they will be less prone to break when bumped or if they catch on clothing.
• Wear gloves – during household chores and outdoor tasks/activities to protect your hands and nails from any damage.
• Use nail polish or get a manicure – this will add a protective layer to your nails that may help with breaking or chipping. Certain types of manicures, like gel and dip powder, are long-lasting and durable, providing even greater protection for your nails - but beware, as longer term use of these types of treatments can be damaging to nails for some women.
• Be careful with polish removers – consider not using nail polish removers with the chemical acetone, which dries nails out.

While it’s very common for menopausal women to experience thin, brittle nails, it’s good to be aware of ways to combat this unwelcomed change. Hopefully these techniques will help your nails maintain—or even regain—their strength and beauty as you age. 

Resources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-the-34-symptoms-of-menopause
2. https://menopause.livebetterwith.com/blogs/stories-info/brittle-nails-in-menopause-what-can-help  
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3984489/
4. https://menopause.livebetterwith.com/blogs/stories-info/brittle-nails-in-menopause-what-can-help  
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
6. https://www.warrentondermatology.com/blog/dry-brittle-nails-why-it-happens-what-you-can-do-about-it
7. https://www.menopausenow.com/brittle-nails/articles/top-5-foods-to-help-brittle-nails
8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
9. https://www.womensinternational.com/blog/hormones-in-your-fingernails/
10. https://menopause.livebetterwith.com/blogs/stories-info/brittle-nails-in-menopause-what-can-help