Weak nails from hrt

[warlockmaker]

MtF tend to keep nail colors on for weeks  (gel  users especially) because you think it makes you feminine. Every cis female will tell you that you need to give your nails a break with fresh air.  This is normally 3 to 4 weeks and if badly damaged up to 6 months.Yes, you can repair the damage with fillers or glue for another nail coating and on the surface it will look good but the damage only gets worse. Just  part of bring a female you need to understand your own nail health and give it a rest if your nail is damaged. Just advise from someone that sponsors a dozen mtf and understand their many issue. Those lucky ones with mothers should consult them.

[KayXo]

Not planning on taking a break. I love how my nails look.  Who cares what is going on underneath?? No one sees it and I'm not suffering because of it.

Why nails recuperate when taking a break is because the new nail, not exposed to the nail polish or buried underneath the gel grows out. That's all. But as soon as you expose it again to all sorts of chemicals and what not, nails weaken.

You think the creams that women apply daily to their bodies and faces, the shampoo, conditioner, spray they use on their hair are any better? Food for thought...

[zirconia]

I don't mean to contradict anyone, and very well know many people can and do experience problems related to use of nail polish, gels and acrylics. However, all gel-related damage I myself have seen has been mechanical—meaning that it has occurred from lifting and/or non-gentle removal. My own nails have always stayed quite healthy as long as I've maintained them properly. That also means maintaining proper hygiene.

While normal manicure is removed at least once a week, gels can be kept for months on end. Due to this, any lifting should be taken care of as soon as possible not only due to potential physical damage, but also because you can't really clean the space under a lifted section. If anyone close to you has a fungal infection, a nook like that can help it colonize. That's why I also wouldn't recommend using gels on your toenails if you have athlete's foot or live with someone who does.

As Julia said, it's really best to go to a salon unless you really want to make an effort to acquire the skill. Gel manufacturers do offer courses that you can attend, though, if you do want to learn. The prep work is what matters the most, and consists mostly of what you'd do for a really proper traditional manicure.

[josie76]

When I started HRT my nails would just break out. Like I'd bump something and a half circle of nail would just be gone. When I added progesterone that improved dramatically. However right now they will tear from the side easily. I don't know if it was because my endo upped my E 50%, or if it's just the winter weather. I have been using hand lotion quite a bit. I think I need to try the biotin.

[Jessica]

Hi Bari Jo 🙋‍♀️ I tried Dip powder nails polish at the salon.  They definitely are stronger.  It's successive layers of polish and a colored acrylic powder dried under UV lights.

Hugs, Jessica 💁‍♀️

[KayXo]

I have been using hand lotion quite a bit. I think I need to try the biotin.

Since adding a little T (post-op), I don't need any hand cream or anything. Despite dry cold winter weather, taking hot showers daily, my skin remains moist, soft and rarely dry. It's amazing....

[ainsley]

Weak and brittle nails, splitting and peeling, too.
This was a major issue for me for years, especially since I maintain high levels of estradiol.  It changed to strong and hearty nails after I started adding hydroxyprogesterone injections.  My hair quit breaking, my nails grew strong and healthily, and my skin is much less dry.  Just my observations.

I believe the estrogen is the primary problem for the nail issues...however, I am not a doctor, just an observer/user. 

[Sofie L]

Yes, my nails have gotten extremely susceptible to tearing and breaking since starting HRT. It doesn't help that I have an extremely physical job that is rough on my hands at the best of times. Makes it impossible to grow any length of nail, which really bugs me. Have dabbled in various strengthening polishes when I remember to. Not sure how much they help. I may ask my GP or endo if they have any suggestions next time I see them. 

[Michelle_P]

My nails had some bed damage, leading to grooves or lengthwise ridges appearing as they grow out.  The nails tend to tear along these grooves, and this has gotten worse recently.  I suppose it could be the HRT doing this.

I've had to trim them way back, and am hoping I can eventually grow them out without preexisting tears.  The tears would crack through the gel nails within a week or so, and attempts to convert them with a silk wrap and cyanoacrylate were not successful.

I'm also trying a supplement with biotin and other additives, hoping to improve on things. 

It is somewhat frustrating, but a minor issue for me.

[Dee Marshall]

Don't take this as gospel. I'm by no means sure of any cause and effect. I had these problems including ridges and tearing for several years. My doctor "prescribed" biotin and gel polish and I used them for over a year. After a while I stopped polishing my nails except for special occasions because it didn't seem to help much. The splitting got a little better but my nails got harder and a little brittle. Small, half moon sections would break off the tips, curved opposite to the natural curve of the nail but they wouldn't split as far. A couple of months ago I ran out of biotin. With one thing and another I didn't get around to replacing it and found that my nails softened up just enough not to be brittle. I don't try to keep them long. Long nails aren't really appropriate for a lesbian and I type a lot.

It all seems a bit random, but I hope this helps.

The spy who came in from the cold in the War Between the Sexes.