Category Online menopause symptom checker

Have you already tried our new online menopause symptom checker?

We use 20 simple questions to give you personalised health recommendations based on your symptoms. It is designed to show you initial measures that you can implement straight away. If you have any questions, please contact us at The Women Circle

Brittle nails during the menopause

Beautiful, strong nails are a matter of course for many of us. However, during the menopause, many women notice that their nails become brittle, soft and wrinkled or even split. A regular manicure is no longer enough.

Today we look at why this happens and what you can do about it.

When do we talk about brittle nails?

The term «brittle nails» is actually self-explanatory, but nail changes can take various forms. These include nails that tend to chip, dry out, form grooves or break. These forms are often referred to as «brittle nails».

Why do I get brittle nails during the menopause?

The menopause upsets the balance of the nails and changes their quality. A nail consists of several plates of keratin, a natural protein. If the keratin is brittle or damaged, problems with the nails occur.
Of course, oestrogen plays a role in maintaining healthy nails. Oestrogen stimulates collagen production and increases the cholesterol content in the nail plate. The drop in oestrogen levels during the menopause leads to a decrease in collagen of up to 25%, which can contribute to brittle nails.

How likely am I to get brittle nails?

About 20% of the population is affected by brittle nails, with women being twice as likely as men. Brittle nails are even more common during the menopause due to falling oestrogen levels. This can begin as early as the mid-40s during the perimonopause.

What are the typical signs of brittle nails?

The signs of brittle nails are relatively easy to recognise and can therefore be treated early. These signs are typically

• are scaly
• are dry
• grow slowly
• Are prone to cracking
• are weak
• discolour
• are notched
• are painful.

Tips against brittle nails during the menopause?

Prevention is advisable here. And there are a few simple but effective measures to do this.

Drink enough fluids
Yes, your nails will also thank you if you drink regularly and enough. Ideally, you should drink at least two litres of water a day and avoid coffee and sugary drinks.

Apply moisturiser regularly
Applying moisturiser helps to maintain the moisture content of the nails. This is particularly recommended during the dry winter months.

Avoid chemicals
Chemicals and solvents not only attack the nails, but also the hands and skin. Therefore, whenever possible, protect your hands and nails with gloves.

Keep your hands dry
Nails also become brittle if you regularly hold your hands in water for long periods of time. That’s why you should wear gloves if possible or at least dry your hands thoroughly.

Avoid bumps and knocks
Mechanical micro-trauma, i.e. repeated small bumps and knocks, also lead to brittle nails. Try to avoid these, especially if you work in a manual profession.

Keep nails shorter
A very simple measure is to keep your nails short, as longer nails have a tendency to dry out.

Take nutritional supplements
A healthy and balanced diet can contribute to healthy nails, but sometimes this is not enough. B vitamins (including biotin B8) and vitamin C are involved in a well-functioning immune system and the cell renewal of nails. In this way you increase the resilience of the nails. A supply of zinc and calcium can also be helpful.

Consider nail hardeners
There are now over-the-counter products on the market that protect the nail in different ways. Some form a protective layer over the nail, others contain keratin and silicone to strengthen the nail.

Nails also need to be cared for, especially during the menopause. We hope we have provided you with valuable information and tips.

In our next edition, again on Saturday at 9am, we will cover further aspects of the menopause and women’s health. Stay informed and feel good during this special phase of your life.

Meno Meet-Ups and products for the menopause

It’s almost time again. We are planning our next Meno Meet-Ups.

On 25 January 18:30 we will meet at Urs Drogerie/Apotheke in Steinhausen/ZG and another meeting is planned in Geneva. As always, you can register via hello@TheWomenCircle.ch.

If you would like to know more about our products, you can find all the information on our Meno Health product page.

We look forward to meeting you at one of the Meno Meet-Ups.

We are here for you.

Joëlle & Adrian

PS: If you like the Meno Health information, why not send it to your friends?