Menopause Brittle Fingernails Symptom

Nails that crack, peel or split don’t pose much of a threat to your health, but let’s face it: there are enough changes to our appearance as we age. Losing the pretty, graceful nails we were once proud of is just one more of those aesthetic changes we don’t need. If your once-lovely nails have become unsightly during the cessation of your menstrual cycle, there are ways to bring them back to their former beauty.

Definition of Menopause Brittle Nails

Nails either if we are talking about fingernails or toenails, are formed of a hard substance called keratin, which is produced by specialized cells at the root of the nail bed. When a woman is in good health and her hormones are in balance, nails provide a sturdy protective layer for the sensitive nail bed. However, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or the hormonal changes of menopause can weaken the keratin layer, resulting in nails that tear easily, split lengthwise, or peel off along the tip - brittle nails

Though the primary result of brittle nails is aesthetic, there are health risks that may appear. Severely split or broken nails can expose the nail bed, which is painful in itself and can allow bacteria to enter the unprotected area, resulting in infection.

Symptoms of Menopause Brittle Nails

Causes of Menopause Brittle Nails

The health of the keratin layer is linked to the level of hormones in the body, particularly estrogen. Estrogen serves many functions, one of which is to regulate water retention. Low levels of estrogen can lead to general dehydration, including dry, brittle nails.

In addition to dehydration, dietary deficiencies can cause brittle nails. Such nutrients as calcium, protein, iron, Vitamin C, folic acid and fat are necessary for the health of your nails. Weak or brittle nails can also be caused by certain diseases or disorders, including anemia, thyroid problems and poor circulation.

Menopause Brittle Nails Treatments

Your medical professional can tell you whether a disorder such as anemia is a primary cause of your brittle Nails, and if so, can prescribe supplements to treat it. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet and using stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga might also help.

Most often, however, the underlying cause in women who are menopausal is the lack of estrogen. Therefore, restoring that hormonal balance is the best approach to treatment. While conventional hormone replacement therapy involves a level of risk that makes it an undesirable approach for many women, there are natural ways to support the body’s hormone production. Amberen, for example, helps the organs of the endocrine system, particularly the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the ovaries, to restore cells to a pre-menopausal level of hormone production.

Menopause Brittle Nails FAQ

Q: Are there foods that are particularly helpful in improving the strength of nails?

A: Almonds contain essential fatty acids that help the body in a variety of ways, including strengthening the keratin layer of weak or brittle nails.