Why Are My Nails Splitting Like Bad Exes?
I swear my nails staged a midlife coup.
One day they were strong and smooth, the next they’re peeling like I’ve been moonlighting as a rock climber without gloves. Spoiler: I have not.
Turns out, menopause doesn’t just mess with your hormones - it sends a memo to your nails saying, “You’re on your own now, good luck.”
Here’s what’s actually happening:
When estrogen levels drop, your body produces less keratin (the protein that makes nails strong). Add in dehydration, slower cell turnover, and maybe a little too much time scrubbing dishes without gloves, and your nails start splitting faster than a bad relationship.
But here’s the good news: this is not permanent damage. And you don’t have to live with snagging your sweater every time you scratch your arm.
🟣 THRIVE Pillar: Tailored Nutrition
Your nails are like little report cards for your diet. If they’re brittle or peeling, it’s time to check for these nutrients:
Protein: Keratin is a protein. Eat enough of it. (Eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, lean meat, lentils.)
Omega-3s: Keeps nails flexible. (Salmon, chia seeds, walnuts.)
Biotin & B vitamins: Essential for nail growth. (Eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, leafy greens.)
Pro tip: Food beats supplements—your body absorbs nutrients better that way. But if your diet is lacking, a high-quality multivitamin with biotin can help.
🟣 THRIVE Pillar: Restorative Practices
You can’t out-supplement bad nail habits. So:
Hydrate like you mean it. Water keeps your nails from drying out.
Oil is your new best friend. Massage almond, jojoba, or olive oil into nails and cuticles daily.
Ditch the acetone. Use a gentler remover or skip polish for a couple of weeks.
Glove up. Hot water + cleaning products = brittle nails. Wear gloves for dishes or cleaning.
The Midlife Manicure Mindset
Your nails may not look like they did at 25, and that’s okay. Strong, healthy nails at 50 are still sexy nails. (And bonus: they’re less likely to slice through your yoga pants mid-downward dog.)
Your turn: What’s the weirdest or most surprising body change you’ve noticed since menopause started? Hit reply and tell me—I’m collecting stories for a future post.