My nails are really deteriorating, soft, bendy, peeling. They’ve been poor for ages but this is much worse. Nothing topical is helping.
I’m on 75 mcgs levothyroxine and my TSH levels are good - and on 0.01 % estriol cream for dryness. Could it be that which is making the difference, although I was assured that it would not be a systemic uptake, unlike oral route?
What vitamin supplements are you taking
When were folate and B12 levels last tested
Hello SlowDragon. Both tested last November and both within range - ferritin at 105.
Perhaps I need to update that test.
I take vit d and magnesium.
both within range
Where within range exactly
We need OPTIMAL vitamin levels
Serum B12 at least over 500
Active B12 at least over 70
I haven’t à Serum B12 on last November’s Medichecks but I assume an Active, given the reading, which was 82 on range 37.5-188
Ferritin was 105, range 30-650
I remembered seeing this before. Try this link. May be a deficiency.
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Thank you Anthea. That’s helpful.
I had dreadful problems with my nails when I was being treated for Graves, I went from being extremely hyper to being extremely hypo for a while. My nails split and flaked and became so short that my fingers actually hurt like mad to the extent I couldn’t touch anything with my hands.
Someone suggested massaging my nails with almond oil but I couldn’t manage to find it. While on the hunt for almond oil an assistant in John Lewis suggested I use OPI Nail Envy for brittle nails.
I did and the difference was absolutely amazing. I know you have tried topical treatments but if you haven’t tried that I would definitely give it a try.
Thanks Fruit, Opi Nail Envy was the first thing I tried, then Sally Hanson, which was better, then Mavala which is usually brilliant.
I take collagen supplements, as well as calcium, K2 and selenium, the anti oestrogen meds I'm on to prevent cancer recurrence get rid of all the things our body needs to be strong! I'm also on 125mcg thyroxine too!
Thanks Needlewoman. Stay well.
My nails improved greatly when I started taking a zinc supplement
Ditto! I was quite surprised. First time I've been able to grow my nails in my entire life.
Thanks. But how do you know how much to take? I’ve read that it’s a tricky one.
'Nothing topical is helping.'
You need to tackle this from within through diet and/or supplements. I don't have any specific knowledge or personal experience yet to be able to recommend anything, but look into biotin supplements and increasing your daily protein intake. It will take time though, as existing nails cannot be strengthened, only new growth can be improved.
'I was assured that it would not be a systemic uptake, '
I think there is some mis-understanding about this. There will be some transdermal systemic uptake, but as it's such a low dose it's considered minor in comparison to the higher doses prescribed under the banner of HRT (i.e. patches, gels, pills etc).
Thanks. I was wondering about biotin as it’s been mentioned here a few times.
I had a big toenail grow really badly thickened during the pandemic and other nails were very brittle. I was tested for nail fungus, but was clear of that and then they started to grow out normally. My previous annual thyroid check had changed my levothyroxine dose down from 125 to 100. I didn't connect it for a while, but I think mine was due to me losing 3 stones in weight and my levothyroxine dosage becoming too high because of it. I know your levels are in the normal range, but thought this may be of help to others who notice strange things happening with their nails. The nurse didn't make the connection. I use vagifem oestrogen replacement. I have also started taking a multivitamin 3 times a week in case it helps, as my toenails still tend to snap when I cut them, which I have put down to my age before. (76!)
hello, I too have suffered with brittle, ridged nails. I have started taking iron and B12 supplements, my iron is low in range, and can really see the difference. My nails actually grow quite long now!
Thank you.
I find if I leave cutting my toenails till I've had a soak in the bath they are much easier to trim without breaking!
I had a similar situation for decades. Last year I was put on collagen. The recovery was seen in a few months. I was told to use organic grass fed beef collagen and to rotate brands. I started with a serving AM & PM. I have graduated to a capsule 2xs a day. Hair and skin are also great.
Wow! Great, thanks! Was it the doctor who put you on collagen?
Haha, my chiropractor, althogh she is so much more! She is a genius on many fronts. She muscle tested me to solve issue dealing with connective tissue. The best nails of my life was a side effect. Lol! I also take biotin which stopped shedding.
I believe peeling nails is a symptom of hypothyroidism. You mention that your TSH is good. Have you had any other thyroid hormone levels checked? Can you share the levels and ranges for each? In range isn't the same as optimal.
Cal I have naturally soft papery nails and there are only two things that make my nails decent and is eating 7-10 almonds per day. After a month of daily ingestion of these beauties your nails should look much different.Try it
Thanks, I will!
I started taking collagen in tablet form. I take complete collagen I-X not the ‘beauty’ ones you see advertised as they do snot work, but Revive Naturals Multi Collagen Protein Capsules - Types I, II, III, V & X (from Amazon).
I now need to cut and file my nails every 2 weeks, something I have not had to do in 50 odd years…
Thank you.
I'm sorry that you have awful nails too! Mine are terrible, the only decent nails I have come by way of a nail technician, but I haven't had them done for over a year now. I really don't like having gel nails and it's awful trying to pick up coins at the checkout!
I am on T4 and T3
Thank you. I’m having success at the moment with Diamond Strength although I don’t like having stuff on my nails!
Problem with nails
Nails 
Flaky thumb nails
Hypothyroid - problem with nails?
Finger nails going white
