Weak, splitting, breaking fingernails

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ck55
ck55 Member Posts: 346
edited June 2014 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After


Hello all, I used to have great fingernails that I could grow to a good length and was very pleased with how they looked. No longer!!!!!! They are now very weak and constantly spittling and breaking off. They are barely long  enough to scratch an itch.

Have any of you had the same problem? I was on Femara for 5 years and then switched to Tamoxifen a couple of years ago (going for a total of 10 years). I had hoped that changing to Tamoxifen would help, but they are the same.

I guess I am wondering if I should just figure it is due to low estrogen levels, or if perhaps it could be something else like possibly low thyroid levels.

Would love anything anyone can share any info on this issue.Smile

Thanks, Cyndi

 I know this may seem like a trivial concern, but I just really liked having long nails!

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Comments

  • Monis
    Monis Member Posts: 472
    edited May 2014

    Cyndi, I don't have a magic cure for you unfortunately, but I'm having the same issue.  My nails were always on the soft, weaker side, but much worse since taking Tamoxifen.  I think some ladies take Biotin for their hair and nails.  Maybe someone will chime in with some good suggestions.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited May 2014

    I always, always keep mine polished & that helps with the strength for me.

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited May 2014

    I had the same issue, but I've been off Femara for 10 months now, and notice that my nails have improved.  They're still not as strong as they were before, but I've seen a decided improvement in the last few months. 

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  • SelenaWolf
    SelenaWolf Member Posts: 1,724
    edited May 2014

    Mine started chipping and peeling, and developed deep ridges during chemo and never have recovered.  I started using Avon's "Smooth Beginnings" base coat, so that I could keep them polished.  The ridges remain, but are vastly minimized and my nails are protected a bit by keeping them polished.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2014

    Not sure if this is helpful, but here is some info on our site:

    Nails

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited May 2014

    Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. I haven't been polishing them because I figured "what's the point".

    But maybe I will try that and see if it helps. I think I am also going to ask my primary care physician about maybe running a thyroid screen on me when I see her next week, just out of curiosity.

    Thanks again, Cyndi

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  • ldesim
    ldesim Member Posts: 1,333
    edited May 2014

    I've been having an awful time with my nails and biotin hasn't helped at all... they peel, crack, split constantly.  I've tried a couple of nail polishes, but can't seem to find a solution yet :(

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited May 2014

    I have the same issue since starting Tamoxifen almost three years ago. Keeping them polished and taking Biotin helps but only so much...

    Tried having acrylics done but hated how they felt.Oh well. 

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