Dry, brittle nails and hair loss can be symptoms of a number of things. Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause the nails and hair to deteriorate, as can several health conditions and diseases. Stress can cause these symptoms, as can menopause, hormone imbalances and certain medications. Heredity can be the culprit, or use of harsh chemicals in hair care and manicures can be the source of ill health in hair and nails.
Thyroid Disease
Dry, brittle nails and hair loss can be signs of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. According to MayoClinic.com, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of certain hormones. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to the development of a number of health conditions, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Other symptoms that can occur with hypothyroidism include fatigue, mental sluggishness, increased sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, muscle pain and weakness, depression and pale, dry skin. Those experiencing such symptoms should seek the advice of a medical professional to rule out hypothyroidism as a cause of dry, brittle nails and hair loss.
Nutrition
Nutritional imbalances can affect the condition of hair and nails. Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals can cause brittle nails and hair loss, as can overloading the system with certain nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc can contribute to brittle nails and hair loss, according to the Linus Pauling Micronutrient Information Center, as can a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet. On the other hand, overdosing on many of these same nutrients can cause ill effects that include brittle nails and hair loss among other, more serious health consequences, so avoid mega-dose supplements of vitamins and minerals.
Hormone Imbalance
For women, hormonal changes can be the source of dry, brittle nails and hair. According to the American Pregnancy Association, hair loss due to changing estrogen levels after delivery commonly causes hair loss, as can hormone changes that stem from discontinuation of birth control pills, miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion. Brittle nails and hair loss can also occur with menopause or peri-menopause, due to changes in estrogen production. Sudden weight loss due to crash diets or illness can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to brittle nails and hair thinning or loss.
Stress
Stress can take a toll on hair and nails, just as it does on the rest of the body. According to MayoClinic.com, the most common form of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effuvium, a condition in which emotional or physical stress, such as a death in the family, pregnancy, surgery or severe weight loss, pushes large numbers of growing hair into the resting phase, causing them to fall out within a few months. MayoClinic.com also states that intense stress can trigger alopecia areata, a condition in which the body's white blood cells attack the hair follicles, stopping hair growth and causing hair to fall out within weeks. This condition generally begins as a small patch of hair loss but can spread over the scalp and even to body hair.
Considerations
While dry, brittle nails and hair loss can stem from relatively minor causes, such as poor nutrition or stress, such symptoms should be evaluated by a health care professional. Some health conditions that can cause these symptoms, such as thyroid disease, can become quite serious if left untreated, so be sure to rule them out with a thorough physical examination.
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