Gynaecology, by video or in person
Hormonal Imbalance in Women
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Hormonal Imbalance in Women
- Irregular periods, with gaps shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or periods stopping
- Acne, oily skin, or hair growth on the face, chest or tummy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Thinning hair on the head
- Difficulty getting pregnant
"Hormonal imbalance" is not one diagnosis. It is the name people use for symptoms caused by one of several specific conditions, and finding which one is what makes treatment work. The commonest in women of childbearing age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which the NHS now calls polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), causing irregular or absent periods, acne, unwanted facial hair, weight gain and difficulty getting pregnant. Thyroid problems cause tiredness, weight change and period changes. A raised prolactin, the milk hormone, can stop periods and cause a milky nipple discharge. In the forties, irregular periods are often the start of the menopause, and much earlier than that they can mean early menopause. Stress, losing or gaining a lot of weight, very heavy exercise and hormonal contraception also change periods. A doctor's questions, a hormone blood test timed to your cycle and sometimes a pelvic scan find the cause.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Irregular periods, with gaps shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or periods stopping
- Acne, oily skin, or hair growth on the face, chest or tummy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Thinning hair on the head
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Tiredness, low mood, hot flushes or night sweats
- A milky discharge from the nipples when not breastfeeding
- Dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or armpits
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital or emergency department now for very heavy bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour, bleeding with dizziness or fainting, or severe pain low in the tummy, especially if you could be pregnant. See a gynaecologist if your periods are irregular or have stopped and you are not pregnant, if they last longer than seven days, if you bleed between periods or after sex, if you have unwanted hair growth or acne with irregular periods, or if you have been trying to get pregnant for a year (six months if you are 36 or older).
Treatment options
- A pregnancy test first when a period is late
- A female hormone profile, timed to the right day of your cycle
- Thyroid and prolactin blood tests, and a pelvic scan when needed
- The combined pill or another hormonal method to regulate periods, where suitable
- Weight loss, diet and activity for PCOS, which often brings periods back
- Medicines to help ovulation when you are trying to get pregnant
- Thyroid treatment, or treatment for a raised prolactin, when either is found
Common Questions
What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in females?
Irregular or missed periods, acne, unwanted hair, weight gain, thinning hair, tiredness and difficulty getting pregnant are the common ones. Each can have several causes, so the symptoms point to tests rather than to a diagnosis.
Which test checks hormonal imbalance?
A female hormone profile, usually with thyroid function and sometimes prolactin. Some hormones must be checked on a particular day of your cycle, so ask a doctor which day before you book. A pelvic scan may be added.
Can hormonal imbalance stop me getting pregnant?
It can, mainly by stopping an egg being released each month, as in PCOS. Most causes are treatable, and many women go on to conceive with treatment.
Can a gynaecologist help by video?
Yes. A gynaecologist can go through your periods and symptoms by video, order the right hormone tests for the right day of your cycle, and explain the results with you.
Need Help?
A women's health specialist on a video call, who plans the tests and treatment and says when you need to be examined in person.
See a gynaecologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified gynaecology specialist near you.
Gynaecology in Lagos →Gynaecology in Abuja →Gynaecology in Port Harcourt →Gynaecology in Jos →Gynaecology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Irregular periods. NHS. Patient information.
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). NHS. Patient information.
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). NHS. Patient information.
- Early or premature menopause. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 5 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.