Can Ridges in Your Nails Signal Thyroid Disease? An MD Reveals the Warning Signs
You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your fingernails (unless you’re painting them!). But your nails can provide key insights into your health. Take nail ridges for instance, which may indicate trouble with your thyroid. Here, we explain the link between ridges in nails and thyroid problems, and share expert-backed tips for boosting thyroid function.
The link between ridges in nails and thyroid disease
Can ridges in nails really be a sign of thyroid disease? Turns out the answer is yes. “The thyroid gland produces hormones that are crucial for regulating our metabolism, which affects how quickly cells grow and repair,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a fellowship-trained dermatologist and the host of the weekly dermatology podcast Derm Club.
“When the thyroid isn’t working properly, it disrupts this balance, leading to issues with the nails,” she explains. “This is because the nails are made up of rapidly dividing cells. Any disruption in hormone levels can significantly impact their growth and structure.”
How thyroid problems affect the nails
The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Here’s how they can impact your nail health:
Hypothyroidism
“Hypothyroidism reduces blood flow due to vasoconstriction [tightening of the blood vessels],” explains Natalie Hone, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with The Skin People. “This results in thick, slow-growing nails that are brittle with noticeable vertical ridges. It can also cause the nails to crumble and break easily or cause the fingertips to look puffy.”
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism “causes vasodilation [widening of the blood vessels], leading to fast-growing, fragile nails,” Dr. Hone says. “[It can also cause] onycholysis, which is when the nail separates from the nail bed and makes the nail appear whiter and more opaque.”
When to see a doctor about ridges in nails and your thyroid
Dr. Kopelman says to see your doctor or dermatologist if you notice “brittle nails, nails that break easily, slow nail growth, nail discoloration or separation from the nail bed.” Likewise, seek treatment for fingernail ridges. “From what I see at my clinic, nail ridges associated with thyroid disease are usually vertical, running from the base of the nail to the tip.” Treating the underlying health condition that’s causing ridges in fingernails can improve your overall health.
3 ways to boost your thyroid and reduce ridges in nails
Nail problems can be alarming. But the good news is ridges in nails often improve with proper treatment of underlying thyroid conditions.
1. Fill up on fiber, protein and selenium
“Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to maintain good thyroid health,” says Andres Splenser, MD, an endocrinologist associated with Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. “It’s key, so you get plenty of fiber and healthy protein.”
Fiber doesn’t contribute to nail growth directly. But it’s found in fruits and vegetables that contain nail-supporting nutrients and can help correct any nutrient deficiencies. Protein, on the other hand, is converted to keratin. This helps strengthen and maintain the hair, skin and nails.
Dr. Splenser also encourages folks with thyroid problems to eat foods containing selenium. A study in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that low selenium levels are linked to thyroid disease. “Most people can get selenium from whole foods,” Dr. Splenser says, “including vegetables, nuts (brazil nuts, in particular), seafood and lean meats (like poultry).
2. Play pickleball
One of the best things you can do for a thyroid-related hormone imbalance is to exercise regularly. Dr. Kopelman says staying physically active “is crucial because it helps regulate your metabolism and supports overall hormonal balance. I usually recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.”
It’s so effective that a study from the Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences found that regular exercise improved thyroid function and mental and physical health in hypothyroid patients.
3. Consider these two supplements
Dr. Kopelman says another effective way to boost thyroid function is by taking vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Consider that a Frontiers in Endocrinology study found women with hypothyroidism who took 50,000 IUs of vitamin D weekly experienced improvements in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
“I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating nail issues can be for those with thyroid disease. One patient came in with severe nail ridges and brittle nails. After a few m months of thyroid treatment and dietary adjustments, she was thrilled to see her nails growing healthier and stronger,” Dr. Kopelman says. “It’s stories like these that highlight the importance of not overlooking nail changes, as they can be an early indicator of underlying thyroid issues.”
Keep reading for more thyroid health tips!
Experts Say This Ancient Herb Can Help Rejuvenate a Weary Thyroid — And Your Energy
“I Healed My Slow Thyroid With Sea Kelp — Now I Feel Better Than Ever!”
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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