Fingernails are composed of layers of a protein called keratin. Healthy fingernails are strong and smooth and do not have any color abnormalities. Some fingernail conditions, such as ridges in the nail, occur with advancing age and do not indicate any underlying health conditions. Brittle fingernails, however, may signify malnourishment or hormonal imbalances.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that are crucial in maintaining the balance of many chemical reactions in the body, especially metabolism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by the underproduction of these hormones by the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, normal reactions in the body become skewed. Fatigue is usually the initial symptom of hypothyroidism. As the condition progresses, other signs and symptoms begin to develop. According to MayoClinic.com, these signs and symptoms include brittle fingernails and hair, pale skin, swelling of the face, hoarse voice, weight gain, muscle aches, swelling of the joints and heavy menstrual periods. Autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications may cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism cannot be cured, but lifelong supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormones may reduce symptoms.
Hypoparathyroidism
The parathyroid glands, located in the neck, produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body's use of calcium as well as phosphorus and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone. This causes a decrease in blood calcium levels as well as a rise in levels of phosphorus. MedlinePlus notes that the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is injury to the glands caused by prior surgery. Low levels of magnesium in the blood and metabolic acidosis may also cause hypoparathyroidism. Signs and symptoms include brittle fingernails, abdominal pain, dry hair, dry skin, cataracts, muscle cramps, facial pain and tingling in the lips, fingers and toes. Treatment for hypoparathyroidism consists of lifelong supplementation of calcium carbonate and vitamin D.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to and removing carbon dioxide from the tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the blood does not contain enough red blood cells due to an inadequate amount of iron in the body. Blood loss, inadequate dietary intake of iron or an inability to absorb iron may cause iron deficiency anemia. Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, pale skin and gums, brittle fingernails, chest pain, swelling of the tongue, cracks on the sides of the mouth and recurrent infections, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Mild causes of iron deficiency anemia may be easily treated with iron supplementation and increased dietary intake of iron. In severe cases of anemia caused by blood loss, hospitalization and blood transfusions may be needed.
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