ABUJA- An Abuja-based Gynaecologist, Dr Ekama Ojong, has said that hormonal imbalance could be a symptom of an underlying health problem.
Ojong, of the Afam Medical Centre, Dawaki, in the outskirts of the FCT, said this in an interview with newsmen  in Abuja.
She described a hormone as a chemical messenger in the body that the blood stream carries to the various organs and tissues.
The physician said hormonal imbalance was an abnormal function of the hormones in the body, which could affect women of any age.
According to her, this condition could occur naturally during puberty, at menopause and also pre-menopause.
Ojong said that hormonal imbalance could also be caused by estrogen dominance, as well as low progesterone levels in the body.
She added that toxins, unhealthy habits or unbalanced lifestyle, overuse of cosmetics and use of non-organic animal products, could be causative factors for hormonal imbalance.
Ojong explained that hormonal imbalance could also be as a result of stress, adding that prolonged stress could tear up the bones, lower libido and also lower immunity.
She explained that some medications such as birth control pills, as well as pregnancy and thyroid issues, could also be contributory factors to hormonal imbalance.
Other factors that lead to such conditions, she said, include genetics, toxins, diabetes, poor diet and lack of exercise.
She added that age, cigarette smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol could also predispose a patient to hormonal imbalance.
Ojong, however, said that the treatment and management of the condition should start by the adjustment of diet by the patient.
She, therefore, recommended the use of supplements and the use of fish oil or nuts, to help in its treatment.
Ojong advised that patients with the condition should avoid food such as eggs, meat or dairy products that may contain chemicals, while treating the condition.
She enjoined patients with the condition to exercise regularly, rest well and also use estrogen supplements, to help to manage and treat the condition.
Ojong added that it was important to talk to a specialist before taking any artificial hormone treatment, due to the increased risk of heart disease and stroke associated with it.