Strong nails may have always been your norm, but during menopause they can start to feel dry, flaky or breakable. If your usual manicure isn’t holding up, you’re not imagining it. Nail changes are a common part of menopause.

What are brittle nails?

Brittle nails are nails that split, peel or break more easily than usual. They may look dry or thin and often develop ridges. Some people also feel tenderness or sensitivity around the nail. These changes are sometimes called Brittle Nail Syndrome (BNS).

Are brittle nails common in menopause?

Yes. Brittle nails affect about 20% of people overall, and women are twice as likely to experience them than men. Brittle nails become even more common as you go through menopause. This is likely due to the way reduced estrogen levels affect the nail plate, which is the part of your body that controls the formation of your nails.

While brittle nails are often linked to menopause or perimenopause, other causes are possible. Certain health conditions can affect nail strength, including fungal infections, psoriasis, thyroid issues, and diabetes. Some medications can also damage your nails. This is most common with chemotherapy, but it can also happen with retinoids, sodium valproate, certain antibiotics, and others.

When do brittle nails start in menopause?

Brittle nails don’t happen to everyone. When they do, they often start during perimenopause, usually in your 40s. This is when estrogen levels begin to drop, affecting nail strength and hydration. For some people, changes in nail health may show up earlier or later depending on overall health, genetics and lifestyle.

Read more about the stages of menopause.

What do brittle nails look and feel like?

1. Dry, flaky texture
2. Nails that split or break easily
3. Ridges, discoloration, or tenderness
4. Slow growth

Tips to help with brittle nails during menopause

Talk to a healthcare provider

Brittle nails can have different causes, so it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider. They may want to examine your nails, run tests or rule out infections and other medical conditions.

Moisturize often

Studies suggest that nails with lower water content are more likely to become brittle. Using hand cream or oil regularly—especially after washing your hands—can help maintain hydration.

…but keep your hands dry!

Spending a lot of time with your hands in water can weaken the nail plate and lead to brittleness. If water exposure is part of your daily routine at work or home, it helps to wear protective gloves. Before putting gloves on, make sure your hands are fully dry! Wearing gloves over damp skin can trap moisture and make nail issues worse. Some people even opt to wear cotton gloves under a waterproof pair to absorb any leftover moisture.

Check your activities

Repeated bumps, knocks, or pressure on your nails (known as mechanical microtrauma) can weaken the nail plate over time. This is especially common in jobs that involve manual labor or frequent hand use. If your nails are already feeling fragile, consider adjusting your activities or wearing protective gloves when possible.

Avoid chemicals

Chemicals and solvents can strip the natural lipids that protect your nails and keep them strong. This is especially relevant if you work in healthcare, labs, beauty services or other environments with regular exposure to harsh products. Even hobbies like painting or developing photos can expose your nails to damaging substances. Wearing gloves and washing your hands with gentle soap can help protect your nail health.

Skip the salon

Regular professional manicures may seem like a treat, but they could be contributing to brittle nails. One study found that people who get frequent manicures are up to three times more likely to develop nail fragility. Damage can happen during prep, polish application, or polish removal—especially with gel or acrylic treatments.

Keep your nails short

Longer nails lose moisture more quickly, which can make them more prone to cracking or peeling. Keeping your nails short can help them retain hydration and lower the risk of breakage.

Consider supplements

A balanced diet supports nail health, but some supplements may provide extra help. Research is limited, but small studies suggest that biotin (vitamin B7) and collagen peptides may strengthen brittle nails over time. As always, talk to your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

Nail hardeners might help

Nail hardeners can protect or strengthen fragile nails. Some formulas work by forming a shield over the nail surface, while others use ingredients like keratin or silicon to reinforce the nail structure. These products are widely available over the counter, but evidence for their effectiveness is still emerging. Be sure to avoid formulas with formaldehyde, which may worsen nail brittleness in the long term.

Can hormone therapy (HT) help?

Possibly. Some people notice that their nails become stronger after starting hormone therapy. This may be due to estrogen’s role in maintaining collagen, which supports the structure and moisture balance of the nail plate.

HT can also help manage other menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes. However, it’s not usually prescribed just for brittle nails. Your provider will consider the full picture of your health before recommending hormone therapy. It isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it may be worth discussing as part of a broader treatment plan.

You can read more about the risks and benefits of HT in our detailed guide.

FAQ: Brittle nails and menopause

Why do brittle nails happen during menopause?

Estrogen helps support collagen production and cholesterol levels in the nail plate. After menopause, these levels drop, which can lead to weaker, drier, or more fragile nails. Research is ongoing, but current evidence points to estrogen’s key role in nail strength and hydration.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

If brittle nails are painful, interfering with daily life, or showing signs of infection, it’s time to speak with a provider. They can help rule out other causes and recommend the best treatment options. You should seek care urgently if you notice:

• Swelling in your fingers
• Red or inflamed skin around the nail, especially if it’s spreading
• Pus or oozing from the nail or skin
• Significant pain or discomfort
• Trouble bending or moving your fingers
• Fever or feeling unwell overall

How can I tell if my brittle nails are caused by menopause or something else?

It can be hard to tell on your own. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause by looking at your symptoms, health history, and sometimes running tests to rule out infections or medical conditions.

Are brittle toenails also related to menopause?

Yes. Toenails can become more brittle or thickened with age and hormonal changes. However, toenail changes are also more likely to be caused by fungal infections, so it’s worth getting checked.

Is at-home nail polish bad for brittle nails?

Frequent use of nail polish, especially harsh removers or gel treatments, can make brittle nails worse. If you use polish, try formulas without formaldehyde and give your nails regular breaks.

Learn more – the latest research

• Chessa, M.A., Iorizzo, M., Richert, B. et al. Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs and Treatment Recommendations in Brittle Nails: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 10, 15–27 (2020). doi.org/10.1007/s13555-019-00338-x
• Gleison V. Duarte; Ana Cláudia Moura Trigo; Mária de Fátima Paim de Oliveira. (2016) Skin Disorders During Menopause. Curtis. Volume 97.
• Stern, DK., Diamantis, S., Smith, E., Wei, H., Gordon, M., Muigai., W, Moshier., E, Lebwohl, M., Spuls, P. Water content and other aspects of brittle versus normal fingernails. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Jul;57(1):31-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.02.004. Epub 2007 Apr 6. PMID: 17412454.
• Studd, J. Ten reasons to be happy about hormone replacement therapy: a guide for patients. Menopause International. 2010;16(1):44-46. doi:doi.10.1258/mi.2010.010001
• Studd, J., Newson, L. Case presentations to demonstrate the advantages of prescribing HRT. British Journal of Medicine. 2 (2). November 2015
• The Primary Care Dermatology Society, Nail disorders