Brittle Nails

Brittle Nails and Menopause

Brittle nails, of all the symptoms of menopause, can at times be the hardest to deal with, robbing a woman of her sense of femininity and individuality.

Unfortunately during this time period, many women suffer from brittle nails, which occur naturally with age and hormonal changes. Nails grow faster on the hand that is used more frequently.

About Brittle Nails

• How Nails Grow

To understand how changes such as brittle nails occur, it is helpful to learn more about the nail growth process. Both fingernails and toenails grow from roots underneath the skin, from the thin white semicircle at the base of the nail known as the lunula.

This group of cells produces a substance called keratin, which forms the nails that protect women´s fragile nail beds. When the body is healthy, a woman´s nails will grow with uniformity and strength. However, if nails are brittle, cracked, or there are changes in color, this can be an indication of imbalance or illness that is throwing off keratin
production.

Characteristics of Brittle Nails

If a woman has always had strong, healthy nails, she may not recognize the signs of brittle nails.

Causes of Brittle Nails

• Hormonal Causes

While changes in nail appearance such as brittle nails can occur for a variety of reasons, the most likely cause for women of menopausal age is hormone fluctuation, particularly estrogen.

One of the fundamental causes of weak or brittle nails is dehydration or lack of moisture in the body. Estrogen plays a key role in body water regulation, and water retention.

When a woman´s body contains higher levels of estrogen, her overall body water levels will be higher as well, and correspondingly, when her estrogen levels are lower, this can lead to dehydration which manifests itself in such signs as dry, cracked, brittle nails.

• Other Causes

Brittle Nails Causing Diseases:

• • • Anemia
    • Poor Circulation
    • Infection
    • Liver Disease
    • Thyroid Problems

In addition to hormonal causes, dietary issues and certain diseases can have an effect on nail growth. Certain nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, protein, iron and fat all help to build strong healthy nails. Stress and anxiety can also slow nail growth and lead to weak or brittle nails.

Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms:

1. Lifestyle Changes
2. The Manna Menopause Support Supplement, with 100% natural phyto-estrogens.