Understanding hair and nail changes during menopause
When you think of menopause, you might think of hot flashes or changes in mood or sleep troubles? But menopause can also affect your hair and nails. Lower estrogen levels during menopause can lead to changes in hair and nail health.
Estrogen helps keep hair and nails healthy by supporting the production of a strong protein called keratin. Keratin makes the cells in our hair and nails (and skin!) stronger and more resilient. It can also help reduce damage to your hair and nails from friction. When estrogen levels drop, our bodies produce less keratin, making nails and hair weaker.
We all want to look our best, so changes in hair and nail health can be particularly challenging. For some people, this can affect daily life more than some other menopause symptoms.
Why do hair and nails become thinner during menopause?
Can menopause cause hair thinning?
As estrogen levels decrease, the amount of keratin also decreases, causing hair to grow more slowly and become thinner. Lower estrogen can also lead to relatively higher levels of androgens, a group of male hormones. Androgen hormones can shrink hair follicles. This often results in female pattern hair loss, mostly at the crown of the head. While some females may experience hair loss, most notice their hair becoming thinner.
Other factors like genetic predisposition, stress, and stressful events can also contribute to hair loss during menopause.
Does menopause cause brittle nails?
With lower estrogen and keratin levels, nails (especially fingernails) can become dry and brittle. This makes them more prone to breaking or splitting, which can be frustrating and painful. There may be other causes that lead to brittle nails, but more research is needed.
You're not alone if you're experiencing either thinning hair or brittle nails. Almost 25% of females between ages 40 and 65 report experiencing thinning hair, and another 18% report having brittle nails.*
How to strengthen hair and nails during menopause
Thinning hair and brittle nails can affect how you feel about your appearance. However, there are steps you can take to improve the quality and health of your hair and nails.
- Eat a balanced diet. There are many vitamins and minerals that are important for the health of your hair and nails. Foods with high levels of protein and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) are especially important to support nail and hair health.
- Hair wash support. Use special shampoos and conditioners to strengthen hair. Anti-dandruff shampoos can promote hair growth.
- Give your hair a break. Tight styles like braids, ponytails, weaves, or extensions can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss from repeated pulling on your hair. Switching to gentler styles early on can stop the damage and help protect your hair from permanent loss.
- Consider minoxidil. For extra help with regrowth, ask your doctor if minoxidil, either topical or oral, might be a good fit for you.
- Boost nail strength. For stronger nails, consider biotin (vitamin B7) supplements and nail moisturizers. Talk to your doctor about whether supplements are right for you.
- Manage stress. Higher stress levels can cause hair loss or make it worse. Find healthy ways to manage stress that work for you.
- Avoid harsh products and treatments. Prevent hair breakage by avoiding hair dye, heat styling, and chlorine. For stronger nails, avoid gel or acrylic nails and harsh nail products and nail polish removers.
- Ask your doctor about medications. Thinning hair and brittle nails are symptoms of menopause but may have other causes. Medications and dermatologist advice can also be helpful. A comprehensive history and physical exam are essential to identify the cause.
If you’re experiencing thinning hair and brittle nails during menopause, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the cause and suggest treatment options.
*Data from Attitudes & Usage study conducted in August 2021 with 4,578 female participants ages 40-65. Funded by Kenvue.
FAQs
Why is my hair thinning during menopause?
Estrogen levels drop during menopause, which leads to a shorter growth phase and less keratin, a hair-strengthening protein. This slows growth and thins hair. Lower estrogen can also increase androgens, which shrink hair follicles. This can cause female pattern hair loss, especially at the crown of the head.
Can stress affect my hair during menopause?
Yes, stress is a contributing factor to hair loss during menopause. High stress levels can either cause hair loss or make existing hair thinning worse. Managing stress through healthy practices can help reduce this effect.
What can I do to strengthen my hair during menopause?
Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids to help with hair health. Use specialized shampoos and conditioners to help strengthen hair. You could also give scalp massagers a try. Avoid harsh hair treatments like hair dying and styling with heat to prevent further breakage.
Are there products that can help with menopausal hair thinning?
Products with minoxidil come in different strengths and can help support hair growth. These products are made for hair thinning and can be part of a treatment plan with a healthcare provider.
Does menopause cause hair thinning?
Yes, menopause can cause hair thinning. Decreased estrogen leads to less keratin and increased androgens, which can shrink hair follicles and slow hair growth.
What helps hair loss during menopause?
To help with hair loss during menopause, eat a balanced diet, use strengthening shampoos, try products with topical minoxidil, manage stress, and avoid harsh treatments. Consult your doctor for specific medications.
Why are my nails suddenly brittle during menopause?
Lower estrogen levels during menopause reduce keratin production — the protein that keeps nails strong. This makes nails dry, thin, and prone to breaking. It’s a common symptom and you’re not alone. Simple changes like moisturizing your hands and nails and adding biotin to your diet can help.
Is hair thinning during menopause permanent?
Not always. Hair thinning may happen because estrogen drops and androgens (male hormones) increase, which can shrink hair follicles. While some changes may last, you can slow or improve thinning with a healthy diet, gentle hair care, and treatments recommended by your doctor or dermatologist. There are other causes of hair loss outside of menopause. It’s important to be seen by a knowledgeable healthcare provider to rule out other causes if you’re experiencing hair loss.
What can I do to keep my hands and nails healthy during menopause?
Moisturize daily, eat protein-rich foods, and avoid harsh nail treatments like gels or acrylics. Supplements like biotin may help but check with your doctor first. Keeping nails short and using gloves for chores can also prevent breakage.
Why are my nails becoming brittle during menopause?
During menopause, the levels of estrogen and keratin decrease. Keratin is essential for strong and resilient nails. As these levels drop, nails, especially fingernails, can become dry and brittle, making them more likely to break or split.
What can I do to strengthen my nails during menopause?
To strengthen nails during menopause, eat a diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids. Biotin (vitamin B7) supplements and nail moisturizers can also help. Avoid harsh nail products and treatments like gel or acrylic nails to prevent further weakening.
How common is it for women to experience brittle nails during menopause?
Brittle nails are a relatively common issue during menopause, with about 18% of females between the ages of 40–65 reporting more brittle nails. If you're experiencing this symptom, you aren't alone. Talk to your doctor if it’s something that’s bothering you.
Does menopause cause brittle nails?
Yes, during menopause, decreasing estrogen and keratin levels can cause nails to become dry and brittle, making them more prone to breaking or splitting.
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1 comment
When will I quit losing hair and start feeling back to.normal