Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: countrybumpkin on August 14, 2015, 07:30:54 PM

Title: Fingernails
Post by: countrybumpkin on August 14, 2015, 07:30:54 PM
My Gp says my problem is caused by being post menopausal but wondered if anyone else has this problem with their fingernails and skin around them.

About a year ago from having very fast growing strong nails the top layer of all my fingernails started to part company with the underneath so you can peel the top layer off.  plus the skin below my fingernails can be peeled off in strips although its not sore at all.  My nails look an absolute mess as even if I keep them super short you can see cracks in the nail surface that eventually peel.

I have tried everything that beauty salon suggests like nail envy and handcream many times a day. I have regular thyroid tests because I am hypothyroid and also full blood count every 6 months so both of these are normal.

My Gp said its another post meno lack of hormones symptom and keep using the hand cream.

For those not on hrt is this something anyone else has?
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: CLKD on August 14, 2015, 07:53:36 PM
I knew someone who never grew nails - lack of keratin?

Maybe get referred to a dermatologist?
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: westie on August 14, 2015, 08:26:37 PM
Hi Country bumpkin

I have the same problem!

I am post menopausal, not on HRT and have gone from having long strong nails to weak and peeling ones just like you although I don't have the problem with my skin below the nails ( well not yet anyway).

I too have tried everything to no avail and would love to know if anyone has a solution or whether the days of having good nails are over.

W x
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: countrybumpkin on August 14, 2015, 09:05:11 PM
I think the skin on my hands would have to peeling off before the GP referred me to derm ;D  Dr did look at nails and fingers but was not impressed that it was anythng other than a cosmetic problem.

Westie its really nice to hear I am not the only one hiding my hands although I wish you did not have it as well.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: Joyce on August 14, 2015, 09:10:43 PM
My nails have been awful for ages. Mine peel too.  I keep them quite short as a result.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: honeybun on August 14, 2015, 09:11:31 PM
I have never tried it myself but you can buy supplements for nail growth.

Well Woman does one but you would need to do a bit of research and see what you think and if it interacts with anything else you are taking.

You might just be lacking something in your diet.


Honeybun
X
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: Joyce on August 14, 2015, 09:15:26 PM
Mine were at their worst when I worked in nursery, forever washing my hands made mine really soft. They're harder now but still liable to peeling.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: CLKD on August 14, 2015, 09:35:08 PM
Both big toes have wrinkly skin on which tends to peel but I wear socks every day  :-\
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: westie on August 15, 2015, 08:32:47 AM
Thanks for the tip Grangravy I'll give it a try.

Wx
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: babyjane on August 15, 2015, 09:18:24 AM
I also have nail issues, the main one being a vertical split in my thumbnail.  I think texting has caused or aggravated this.

Some weeks ago Argan Oil was recommended to me on this board for dry hair and I got some.  It is also excellent for skin and nails and I have been using it twice a day on my nails.  The split is still there but my finger (and toe) nails are so much better.  they are not all brittle when I cut them and no longer peeling.  I recommend it.  Good for fine lines on the face too  :)
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: Joyce on August 15, 2015, 10:11:26 AM
I have horrid ridges on mine. I remember my mum having these also, but her nails were like horns. She had a permanent split in one nail.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: rantywoman on August 15, 2015, 06:41:58 PM
Yep. I too started having nail problems post menopause.....peeling and the most awful vertical ridges that look like they're going to split!
I'm now on hrt so am hoping the condition will improve, but only time will tell.I did however read somewhere that vitamin B deficiencies might cause this problem, so maybe taking supplements might help.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: CLKD on August 15, 2015, 07:02:59 PM
Did anyone eat raw jelly to encourage good nail growth ? What was that about  ::)
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: bramble on August 16, 2015, 11:27:43 AM
My friend had bad nails but she tried a nail stuff that has really made a difference. I will get the name of it the next time I see her.

Bramble

PS. A jelly cube once a day was an old fashioned way of strengthening nails.
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: honeybun on August 16, 2015, 01:51:04 PM
Oh I remember the jelly cube thing.

I love jelly, haven't had it since the kids grew up though.


Honeybun
X
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: countrybumpkin on August 18, 2015, 08:35:36 AM
Thanks everyone. I can relate to the big raised vertical nail ridges that have been getting worse past few years, maybe its these that are causing the peeling as they do seem to peel down a ridge as well. 
I have tried the nail envy stuff that costs £18 a bottle :o and it did nothing in fact made them worse. I have got some nail oil and am trying that twice a day plus lots of hand cream.
I already take B vitamins plus others. Haven't tried the jelly cube a day though ;D 
I've got no choice but to keep my nails super short because as soon as they show any growth its already delaminated and soon peels off.  I miss having nails as they are so useful for all sorts of things!
Title: Re: Fingernails
Post by: CLKD on February 24, 2023, 06:22:49 PM
I read recently that 'ridges' are usual at certain ages, however; the ridges run from cuticle to nail which are chipping too easily even though I have kept them short. 

We have a good over all diet.   I had a manicure recently but there wasn't any advice about the chipping  :-\

If I wore tights they wouldn't last 5 mins.!