Brittle Nails: Frangible phalanges
One of the signs of menopause is brittle nails. If you have never had this problem before, you many not recognize it.
• Dryness Causes Estrogen plays a key role in the bodies’ water regulation. Fluctuations in estrogen during the perimenopausal years can lead to brittle nails. Besides menopause, there are other possible causes including anemia, poor circulation, infections, psoriasis, eczema, liver disease, thyroid disease and vitamin deficiencies. Also, many women get brittle nails from exposure to chemicals while they are cleaning, or exposure to chemicals in their nail polish removers. Women may also get brittle nails from immersing their hands too long in water, or, the polar opposite which is too little water, and too much dry air. Balance is the key. This is why you may want to check with your health care professional to rule out any of the more serious conditions. If you know it is related to menopause and the changes in your hormones, then there are some things you can do to fix this condition. Treatment First of all, you will want to try some of the lifestyle changes I recommend on this site to improve your estrogen balance naturally. Diet, exercise, relaxation, meditation, and joy are some of the important changes you can make. You may want to take some dietary supplements of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, C, A, Zinc, niacin, calcium and iron. Moisturize your hands and cuticles. Petroleum jelly is probably the cheapest method and it really works. Massage a bit in and around your nails a few times a day. You can soak your fingernails in warm olive oil once a day. Moisturize your hands in the evening and then wear cotton gloves at night to keep the moisture in. Decrease your exposure to chemicals by wearing gloves when you are cleaning, and carefully checking the label of your nail polish remover for formaldehyde and acetone (they are drying). Do not soak your hands in water too long, and wear gloves when you are washing dishes or floors. Some experts recommend bringing your own tools to the manicurist because you know they are clean. Keep your nails short to prevent them from breaking. Allow your nails to breathe by removing your nail polish from time-to-time. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water every day.
|
Your nails may have one or more of the following:
