Breaking nails????

OK, one things I've noticed is that, lately, my nails tend to have a serious tendency to break While I've always had brittle nails, this is ridiculous: it's to the point where my nails just break at a touch

Could this be a sign that I'm lacking something? If so, what could it be? My nails are not dry, they are just very, very fragile and soft!!!

Hi Dany,

My first thought is calcium. Are you getting enough?

I know that my nails grew great when I was on prenatal vitamins so maybe there is somthing in there besides calcium that you are lacking.

I think there is also some types of clear nail polish that can make your nails stronger.

Hope you find out what it is.

Shelly

You could try silica as this contains both mag/calc and is great for thickening of the nails and hair also. If you are on any other medication, you could gain advise from your GP.

All the best!

Jo

SAH/BSO Uterine fibroids

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm getting enough calcium, as I'm taking a calcium/magnesium supplement... which is more than I ever took before

Hi Dany - it's funny that you be asking about your nails. I had a dr appt yesterday to get the results of blood work. I was told that my thyroid is low normal. The dr asked if I was having any problems with dry skin, dry nails, hair falling out, foggy thinking, and fatigue. She said if I am, then she would need to prescribe medication for my thyroid. So, maybe your problem with your nails is related to your thyroid?

Thanks for pointing that out, Katrina: I never thought of the possible thyroid link

Dany I've been having this problem for the last couple of months, -- and yes, I do have low thyroid, but I'm on meds for it and usually my nails are really in great shape.
I upped my thyroid meds a couple of weeks ago and have not seen any change (yes, don't worry, dr's orders!, not my own idea!)

have not seen any change.
I haven't changed the amount of calcuim (if anything I've been getting more 'cause I've been very naughty with my cheese intake).....

going NUTS.
I love having long-ish nails and mine are so short right now it is actually uncomfortable as the skin that is usually behind the nail is now "exposed" -- ok, lots of women keep their nails this short, but not me.

seems dumb to fuss about nails when there are a lot more important issues to deal with, but my nails have always been part of my "look" and now they are a mess and I feel messier.

I hope we can find out what needs "resetting"!!!!

There could be several reasons why this may be happening. Do you have your hands in water more than usual? You could wear gloves when cleaning and washing in the kitchen for a week or two and see if it gets better.

I understand that diet, thyroid, and iron defecientcy, some forms of arthritis may contribute to it.

Well, hopefully they are just getting too much water and detergent on them.

Also, look to see if you are taking anything new that might be a side effect.

I hope this helps.

s

Thanks for the input, (((((Cheryl))))) and (((((Suzy))))).

((((Cheryl))))) I'm so sorry you're also dealing with the same problem, especially since your nails are part of your look: mine have never been, especially since I used to be a ferocious nail biter

((((Suzy))))) I know that immersing my hands in water is not issue: I'm convinced that washing dishes, just like vacuuming, is a permanent restriction after a hyst

The only other possibilities I can think of, other than a mineral deficiency of some type, is that it may be a result of the colder weather and/or of the heating systems that are now on full blast (though you'd never know it from the way we freeze in our office ) And, of course, there is always the possibility of thyroid issues and/or of arthritis.

this is soooo frustrating and I can't help but wonder if this would be happening if I was on regular HRT instead of trying find my way in the Oasis!!!

Ok, I was looking thru my book Smart Medicine for Menopause by Sandra Cabot, MD.
Here's what it says for - Rapid aging of the skin, thinning hari, BRITTLE NAILS, osteoporosis:

Take 1,000mg calcium & 500mg magnesium at bedtime

Take the following daily:
5,000iu of vitamin A or 20mg beta-carotene
2,000mg vitamin C, preferable in mineral ascorbate form with bioflavonoids
500 iu Vitamin E
400iu Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
100mcg Vitamin K

Take the following trace minerals daily
20mg boron (sodium borate)
5mg copper (copper chelate)
30mg zinc (zinc chelate)
25 mg silica
10mg of manganese (manganese chelate)

Anyway, something to think about!