Can Menopause Affect Your Nails?

When it comes to menopause, changes in your nails and hair may not be the first concerns that come to mind. But they are fairly common. One study found that about 1 in 4 people experienced nail changes during menopause. Here’s how menopause can affect your nails and what you can do to keep your nails healthy as you get older. 

How can menopause affect your nails?

Yes. Many people experience nail changes after menopause, including changes in nail:

• Color

• Shape

• Strength

• Texture

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Some of these nail changes happen naturally as people get older, but hormone changes from menopause may also play a role. 

In an interview with GoodRx, Maria Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, said that “changing hormone levels and moisture loss as we get older contribute to nail changes after menopause.” 

Here’s some common nail changes that can happen during menopause.

1. Brittle nails

Brittle nails are weak and prone to damage. They can easily split, flake, or crumble. Healthy nails have a smooth, flat surface. But, brittle nails often have vertical ridges that run to the edge of the nail. 

While anyone can have brittle nails, it is particularly common in women after age 50. It is not clear exactly why brittle nails occur so often after menopause, but it may be due to a decrease in levels of cholesterol in your nail plate.

“As we get older, brittle nails are pretty common,” said Dr. Robinson. “They can affect both how the nails look, and also how they function.”

2. Nail fungus (onychomycosis)

Nail fungus develops when a fungus infects the nail. Nail fungus causes nail discoloration and thickening. 

The risk of these fungal infections goes up as people get older. About 35% of people over age 65 have nail fungus. One study found an even higher number of cases of nail fungus in people going through menopause. Researchers think that changes to the immune system that occur during menopause make nails more prone to infection. 

3. Nail thickening 

Nail thickening — also called onychauxis — is when the nail plate becomes thick, discolored, and less translucent. Nail thickening often develops in toenails from wearing shoes that are too tight. It is more common after menopause. But it is most likely from natural changes due to aging and not hormone changes from menopause. 

What can you do to keep your nails strong during menopause?

“There are steps you can take to keep your nails healthy and strong after menopause,” said Dr. Robinson. These steps include addressing any underlying nail conditions and developing healthy nail habits, she added. 

Here are some steps to take to keep your nails strong and healthy as you get older.

1. Stay hydrated 

Hydrated, healthy skin around your nails is stronger and less prone to infection. Drinking enough water is important for many body systems, including your skin. There is some evidence that drinking more water can increase skin hydration. 

2. Moisturize

Nail and hand moisturizers are a more direct way to keep the nails and skin hydrated. “People may not realize that moisturizing your nails is important, especially after menopause,” said Dr. Robinson.

Look for moisturizers with petrolatum or lanolin. These ingredients help the cuticles and nails retain moisture. Or look for alpha-hydroxy acids and urea, which increase the water-binding capacity of the nail. “Thicker moisturizers work best,” said Dr. Robinson. “For best results, apply it at night under cotton gloves and then leave on the gloves overnight to really lock in moisture.”

3. Eat a nourishing diet

What you eat can impact your nail and skin health. Fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats provide the nutrients your nails need to stay strong. 

4. Use a nail hardener

Nail hardeners can be used to help strengthen and protect brittle nails. Prescription nail hardeners like Nuvail, which contains poly-ureaurethane, are a good option. Genadur — which is a new water-soluble product — has been shown to help with brittle or splitting nails. Watch out for over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain formaldehyde. Overuse of these nail hardeners can actually make nails more brittle. And some people may have an allergic reaction to them. 

5. Skip the acrylic nails

Acrylic or gel nails can drain your nails of moisture and make them more prone to damage. “Try to minimize gel and acrylic manicures, which can dry out nails,” recommended Dr. Robinson, “and don’t peel off the gel, which can rip off pieces of nail plate along with it.”

6. Stay on top of your nail hygiene

Proper nail hygiene is important for keeping your nails healthy. To keep your nails clean and free of infection try to:

• Keep your nails short, and cut nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

• Wash the underside of nails with soap and water, or try using a nail brush. 

• Use only clean tools on your nails.

• Avoid biting or chewing your nails as this can introduce bacteria to the skin and nail.

• Don’t cut your cuticles because they are a natural barrier to infection.

In addition to the above, Dr. Robinson recommended not overusing hand sanitizer. Most options are alcohol-based, which can really dry out your nails. 

Can supplements help with nail changes after menopause?

It’s not clear.

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a popular ingredient in OTC nail supplements. Some small studies have shown that biotin supplements can improve nail strength. But most everyone in the U.S. gets enough biotin in their diet, so extra supplementation is not likely to be helpful.

Use caution if you are going to start taking a dietary supplement for skin and nail health. The FDA does not test dietary supplements for safety. Products advertised on social media and in retail stores often lack warning labels. And they may recommend higher doses than medically advised. Talk with your primary care provider before starting any supplements.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jennifer Sample, MD

After a fellowship, Dr. Sample worked as the medical director at the University of Kansas Hospital Poison Center (The University Of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center), which served the state of Kansas for poison exposures. In 2007, she returned to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, as a consultant in clinical pharmacology and medical toxicology.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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