Brittle nails

  Often a concern during menopause but incorrectly listed as a symptom, a significant problem with your nails is most likely Onychorrhexis, also known as Brittle nails; this is a brittleness with breakage of finger or toenails that can result from excessive use of strong soap, water exposure, nail polish remover, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). This condition affects up to 20% of the population.

The best way to ensure healthy and strong nails during and after menopause is to ensure your diet contains enough vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B2 and Vitamin C.

Vitamin A leads to a healthy growth of nails, while vitamin B promotes a better, and glossy look. Vitamin C gives the nails a good shape and saves from deformation.

The quantity of minerals in your food also has a great impact on your nails. Zinc rich dishes help to improve and maintain healthy nails. Calcium and iron give the needed strength and Magnesium prevents outlook damage of the nails.

Your nails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. As new cells grow, older cells become hard and compacted and are eventually pushed out toward your fingertips. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration. Nails can develop harmless conditions, such as vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges become more prominent with age. Nails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.