The lesser-known menopause symptom that can be spotted in the hands

Menopause is an inevitable part of many of our lives - from hot flushes to wavering hormone levels. And the hormonal impact of the menopause can affect more of the body than previously realised.

Your mid-forties may welcome small changes in your body, which you will notice before going through menopause. This period is known as perimenopause, and lasts from four to eight years.

Menopause is defined as having gone a year without a period, and has an average entry age of 51. Other than the textbook symptom of hot flashes, brittle nails, dehydration and flakiness are also common side effects.

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Women's health experts and leading nail techs explain just how this period of your life can affect your nails, and what you can do to keep on top of your manicure during the menopause.

How menopause impacts the health of your nails

During perimenopause and menopause, a drop in oestrogen can significantly impact the health of your nails.

“Oestrogen is essential for maintaining hydration in the body, including your nails,” explains Paint Nails London‘s lead nail tech Angie Campbell.

“As oestrogen levels drop, nails often lose their natural moisture and become more brittle. In perimenopause, these changes may be subtler, but as menopause sets in, the effects can become more pronounced.

“Women may notice thinning, peeling or slower nail growth as their nails struggle to retain strength and hydration,” says Campbell.

Why your nails become brittle and prone to breakage

“Brittleness of the nails is also called Onychorrhexis from the Greek derivation onycho – meaning ‘nail’, and rhexis – meaning ‘bursting’,” explains menopause advisor for A.Vogel, Eileen Durward.

When they begin to split, crack or chip, your nails can be described as "brittle". Durward says: “The yellowing of nails or nails curling at the top also suggests that they are brittle."

Keratin is the protein produced in the nail bed that helps form your nails’ strong outer layer.

“When the body is healthy, nails are strong and evenly formed. If your nails are showing signs of brittleness, it is an indication of an imbalance in your keratin production,” says Durward.

How to keep your manicure strong and hydrated

Hydration levels can decline during menopause, but this is an important factor for a strong and healthy manicure. “Start with a good-quality cuticle oil – look for products containing jojoba oil, vitamin E or almond oil,” advises Campbell.

“Applying it daily helps restore moisture and strengthens the nail bed. A hydrating hand cream is also a must. Regular nail strengthening treatments can also help restore damaged nails and fortify them against breakage.”

How to adjust your nailcare routine in menopause

If you’re seeing your nails become thinner or more brittle, you should prioritise rest and gentler care when it comes to your nail routine.

“Use a glass or crystal nail file instead of traditional emery boards to reduce microtears,” suggests Campbell. “Apply a strengthening base coat regularly to provide added support, and avoid over-trimming or aggressive cuticle pushing to prevent damage to the nail matrix.”

If you're a fan of gel or acrylic manicures, Campbell advises taking regular breaks to allow your nail beds time to recover and breathe.

Things to avoid

There are a few habits to adopt so you can help protect your nails from day-to-day wear. “Always wear gloves when doing household chores, especially those involving water or chemicals, as excessive exposure can dry out and weaken nails,” explains Campbell.

“Steer clear of excessive filing or buffing, as this can thin the nail plate. Also, be cautious with gel or acrylic applications, ensuring your nails have time to ‘breathe’ between treatments.”

Instead, opt for basic polishes that have a gel effect, these are less hardwearing on your nails and you can use a top coat to ensure your colour lasts as long as a traditional gel manicure.

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