Nails and skin

[ToniTone]

So I've been on feminizing hrt for a uear now. I've noticed recently my nails seem to grow faster than the used to. I used to have to clip them every 2-3 weeks. But recently it's every week. 

 

My skin has changed too. It's a little softer and more sensitive. And my forehead gets really greasy. Like when I was in my first puberty. My old ex (cis female) would get a really greasy forehead, especially during our teens and when she was having her period. I understand this is an effect of estrogen. 

 

My question: does fem hrt effect your nail health? 

 

~Toni

[Susan R]

2 hours ago, ToniTone said:

My question: does fem hrt effect your nail health?

I have often wondered this too. Unfortunately, I started taking biotin (vitamin B7) when I started HRT and started growing my nails long. My nails pre-HRT and pre-biotin used to crack and my cuticles were always a mess. Now they grow fast and never crack and my cuticles look healthy. So one of these factors has definitely changed my nails. Unfortunately, without stopping one of the regimens, I can’t tell which has the most effect. My best guess is that both do to some degree.

 

Wish I could help,

Susan R?.

[Maid In Bedlam]

Men's nails so I have read somewhere. are stronger by default and grow faster. This goes back primates as part of a defence or attack for clawing. However, as this doesn't really have any bearing on our lives now . I would say diet makes a big difference to nail health.  My nails were very brittle for a time. However, when I started taking calcium/zinc and Vit K7 supplement the got much stronger and seemed to lose their softness. It didn't happen overnight. I took about 6 months to get them back to normal. Nails can be a good indicator of overall health.Therefore what you describe @ToniTone means your doing well and are healthy. Interesting article below regarding nails. Worth a read. So maybe MtoF have the best of both worlds?

 

The skin softens with hrt E. That's a well-publicised effect. Which is lovely but I would still recommend a very good moisturiser routine regardless of what skin you have. As i didn't matter how good your skin is. It doesn't do as well without this and is overlooked by many.

 

 

Link here

[ToniTone]

I heard biotin helps with nail and hair health. So it's certainly possible Susan. My multivitamin contains biotin. It also contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, and phytoestrogen containing herbs. And I incorporated this multivitamin into my regimen around the time I started transitioning. So there are alot of variables to consider... 

 

~Toni

[SaraAW]

Biotin supplementation is only useful if you’re deficient. If you’re not, you’re wasting your money and potentially causing issues with important blood tests if you’re on HRT. 
 

Any supplementation if you are not deficient is mostly a waste of money. If your body doesn’t need it, it just processes it out in urine and feces, so you’re just making expensive bodily waste. Over doing some supplements can actually be detrimental to your health, with serious consequences. You should always talk with your doctor before starting any supplements. 
 

The key for healthy nails and hair is to eat well, drink lots of water and maintain good grooming. Moisturize, conditioner for hair and oils and creams for hands and nails. 
 

If your nails are brittle, speak to a doctor as it could indicate an underlying issue. You can also use nail hardener to give them some strength. 
 

If your hair is brittle, look at your routine. Are you over washing, not conditioning, using hair elastics constantly, using blow dryers or curling irons frequently. If you have a good healthy hair routine, speak to your doctor. 

[KayC]

49 minutes ago, SaraAW said:

potentially causing issues with important blood tests if you’re on HRT. 

You're right Sara.  I looked up this article and it explains why biotin can interfere with certain lab tests.  It doesn't harm you, but it can create errors in test results (it specifically mentioned hormone tests)

https://labtestsonline.org/news/fda-warns-biotin-may-affect-some-lab-test-results

 

Funny, I just started using biotin to strengthen my nails.  I will check the bottle on the dosage, and probably continue for a bit (I am not on HRT yet and I just finished my annual checkup/labs) to see if I do get any results.  But like you said, diet and lifestyle are probably the most important factors.  Good information!

 

[Susan R]

Everything we put into our bodies has some impact. As adults, we’ve all eventually had to make decisions regarding the food and nutrients we put into our body. IMHO, it’s all pretty much trial and error to some extent. Even the ‘scientific studies’ of old contradict new studies as new information is uncovered and the old information is found to be inaccurate. Then you have to consider some scientific studies are biased right out of the gate due to political agenda, marketing bias, screwing of data, and data reporting error, etc...

 

Some will agree, most store bought food these days is nutrient deficient compared to food of years gone by so it’s safe to say there a good chance many of us have several nutrient deficiencies. I believe I had several before changing my diet and adding supplements.

 

So for me, I believe biotin (vitamin B7) supplement has been great for my hair, skin, and nails and a compliment to my HRT regimen in its effectiveness. My labs have been solid and steady for the last nine months so for me it’s been a godsend.

 

That being said, I’d listen carefully to the warnings pointed out here regarding supplements like biotin. Ultimately, we all have to make an intelligent decisions for ourselves after talking with our primary care providers and/or endos.

 

My 2¢,

Susan R?

[Abi]

I love my nails. They grow fast and fairly strong. Several women that have noticed them complain that I had better nails than them. If I try I can get my nails to look gorgeous. I've always wanted to get a professional to do my nails but I've been too chicken to go. I have big hair thanks to Mom. The only problem is that I need to grow it out at least a foot before it starts actually laying down. I'm getting there though. I have a lot of issues with skin care and like the idea that moisturizer and vitamins may help but I'd have to get some suggestions for both products. I do not know much about that yet.