FAQ: I have been in menopause for about one year. Everything seems to be going well except my nails have become weak and brittle. What is causing my brittle nails?
A: The usual cause of brittle fingernails in women going through menopause is a hormone imbalance with her estrogen levels. When they are low it affects the way keratin is produced. A lack of estrogen means the body is easily dehydrated, thus leading to the nails to grow out brittle.
FAQQ: Are there any foods that can help with my brittle nails? I have noticed a change once I started going through menopause. This and hot flashes seem to be the two constant headaches for me. I do not want to have to start a HRT because of all the dangers associated with them. I want that to be my last resort.
A: Women should indeed keep HRT as their very last resort for treating menopause symptoms. Not having hot flashes or brittle nails is not trade off for the higher risk of cancer. However, there are foods that women can consume that will help with their brittle nails. Women should eat foods high in Omega-3s as they will help the nails grow out stronger. These foods include: almonds, coconut oil and salmon. If needed, there are also Omega-3 supplements available.
FAQ: I heard that those over the counter nail strengtheners that can be painted on will help with my brittle nails? If so, it this still true for women in menopause?
A: For women going through menopause it is more of an issue of getting her estrogen at the proper levels. This can be done with proper nutrition and if needed, supplements. As for the OTC nail strengtheners, they may be a better option for women with brittle nails due to other causes. However, women who use these products are merely treating the nails and not the cause.
FAQ: Could my hand lotion be causing my brittle nails? I was told by a friend that menopause can cause brittle nails and some hand lotions. However, I have not quite hit menopause, but I have begun to notice some changes.
A: It is true, certain hand lotions and menopause both contribute to brittle nails. Women need to read their lotion ingredients to be certain it does not contain alcohol. If it does, then it should not be used as the alcohol will dry out the nail beds causing the nails to become brittle. Also, some women may experience brittle nails during perimenopause. This is due to the fluctuation in hormone levels.
FAQ: My doctor told me that getting a non-polish manicure once every other week will help me with my brittle nail issue I have been having since hitting menopause. Why should I not get polish, isn’t that the point of a manicure?
A: The doctor was correct in suggesting a non-polish manicure. This is because the chemicals in nail polish are harsh and dry out the nails, the nail bed and even the cuticles. This alone can make any woman’s nails brittle, but in combination with her hormone imbalance, the situation becomes worse. Therefore, a nourishing polish-free with mineral oils is a better option..
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