By Taofeeqat Okunubi and Zainab Akintoye
Hormonal imbalance is a frequently overlooked health issue in Nigeria, affecting both men and women, yet it remains largely unaddressed due to social stigma and widespread misconceptions. Often undiagnosed for years, many individuals refrain from seeking help out of fear of judgment or having their condition dismissed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hormonal imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of a hormone. This can lead to a range of health issues, including infertility, mood swings, and weight gain. Despite being prevalent, hormonal imbalances in Nigeria are underreported and poorly understood. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, and diabetes are common, yet their impact on individuals, families, and communities often goes unrecognized.
Cultural beliefs and misunderstandings often contribute to the lack of open discussions surrounding hormonal imbalances. In many communities, health issues related to fertility and weight are misunderstood, leading individuals to conceal their symptoms. This is particularly common among women, who may feel pressure to meet societal expectations by not discussing their health conditions.
Olabisi Mary, a businesswoman living with diabetes, shared her journey. “I was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago,” Olabisi recalls. “At first, it didn’t feel real because I thought I was healthy. I never imagined something like this could happen to me.” Her symptoms began with constant tiredness, thirst, and sudden weight loss. “I thought it was just stress or a minor issue, but when it didn’t stop, I went to the hospital. That’s when I found out I had diabetes.” Managing diabetes has not been easy for Olabisi. “It’s a lot to handle. I have to watch what I eat, check my blood sugar all the time, and take my medications. It’s like always having to be alert.”
Social situations have also been tough. “Sometimes people don’t understand. They ask why I can’t eat certain foods or why I’m checking my blood sugar, and it makes me feel awkward.” Olabisi admits that diabetes hasn’t just affected her body but also her mind. “There were times I felt so alone, like nobody understood what I was going through. But I’ve learned to talk about it. Sharing my feelings with family and friends has helped me feel stronger.”
Another individual, Suliat Yakubu, a Nigerian student, shared her struggles with PCOS, which led to irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and emotional distress. “I was terrified to talk about it,” Suliat said. “There’s this unwritten rule in our society where if you have a condition that affects your appearance, people assume you’re weak or flawed. I feared that speaking about it would make others judge me.”
Despite the overwhelming presence of symptoms, Suliat’s experience wasn’t unique. Like many others in Nigeria, she suffered in silence, thinking that the discomfort would somehow subside. Eventually, the visible symptoms particularly her weight gain—made it impossible for her to continue hiding. At that point, Suliat decided to speak out. “People started noticing the changes in my body. It felt like I couldn’t escape it anymore. I had to tell someone, and it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made,” she recalled. “But opening up brought some relief. It was a weight off my shoulders to know that I wasn’t alone.”
Hormonal imbalance affects not only women. According to WHO, a study of 216 Nigerian men revealed that 80% had hormonal imbalances contributing to infertility. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of the issue and the need for greater attention to hormonal health across both genders. However, the stigma surrounding hormonal imbalance remains a significant barrier to seeking help.
Dr. Taoheed Alabi, a medical professional, stressed that societal attitudes play a huge role in worsening the issue. “People often internalize their struggles, fearing they’ll be stigmatized for something they cannot control,” Dr. Alabi explained. “Symptoms like weight gain, acne, or hair loss become the focus, and instead of offering understanding, society turns away.”
Dr. Alabi further emphasized that Nigerians must overcome their fear of judgment and take action when they notice any changes in their bodies. “Your health is your priority. Don’t ignore symptoms or dismiss them as something minor,” he urged. “It’s important to seek medical advice promptly because early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Silence only allows the condition to worsen and impacts your quality of life.” He also encouraged families and communities to foster open dialogue about health concerns, stating, “Support begins at home. When individuals feel safe to speak up, they are more likely to seek the help they need. We all have a role to play in breaking the stigma.”
PCOS, thyroid imbalances, and other hormonal disorders contribute to a range of symptoms that can affect both self-esteem and social interactions. Dr. Alabi advocates for greater awareness and open discussions, especially about conditions like PCOS, which affects 5-10% of women globally.
Adio Olalekan, a Nigerian farmer, shared his journey of living with a thyroid disorder, highlighting the challenges he faced due to the condition. “I was always tired, my weight fluctuated, and I couldn’t understand what was happening to my body,” Adio explained. “When I finally went to the doctor, they told me it was a thyroid issue, something I had never even heard of before.” Adio initially found it difficult to talk about his condition with others because of societal expectations, especially for men in his community. “People expect you to be strong and not complain about your health, especially as a man and a farmer,” he said. Despite these challenges, Adio eventually decided to open up about his thyroid disorder, realizing that staying silent was affecting not just his health but his overall well-being. “Talking about it was hard, but it helped me find the support I needed,” he shared. “Now, I want others to know that it’s okay to speak up and seek help. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”
At 32 years old, Adekola has been living with adrenal insufficiency, a rare and life-threatening condition that affects the body’s ability to produce vital hormones like cortisol. It started with fatigue, Adekola began, recalling the symptoms that led to his diagnosis. In 2018, as a hardworking accountant, he said his constant tiredness was due to long hours at the office. But when he started having frequent dizziness, severe weight loss, and fainting, he knew something was wrong. “I was admitted to the hospital for tests, and that’s when I heard the words ‘adrenal insufficiency’ for the first time,” he shared. “It felt like my world stopped. I was scared, confused, and unsure of what life would look like moving forward.”
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone hormones critical for managing stress, regulating metabolism, and maintaining blood pressure. Without proper treatment, it can lead to a potentially fatal adrenal crisis. “I carry an emergency injection kit everywhere I go,” he said. “It’s not just for peace of mind; it’s my lifeline in case of a crisis. Knowing that my body can’t respond to stress like others makes you appreciate every little moment.”
Addressing hormonal imbalances in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach, including improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing public awareness, and combating stigma. Strengthening the healthcare system is crucial to provide timely diagnosis and effective treatment for those suffering from these conditions. This involves training healthcare professionals to better recognize and manage hormonal disorders and ensuring that diagnostic tools and medications are readily available and affordable.
Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate communities about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for hormonal imbalances. By dispelling myths and correcting misconceptions, these campaigns can help reduce the fear and shame associated with such conditions. Collaborating with schools, religious institutions, and local community leaders can further enhance outreach efforts and promote understanding.
Combating stigma involves fostering a more open dialogue around hormonal health, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. Support groups and counseling services can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive emotional support. Additionally, promoting stories of people living with and managing hormonal imbalances can help normalize these conditions and inspire others to seek assistance.
By addressing these issues through healthcare improvements, education, and cultural change, it is possible to improve the lives of those affected by hormonal imbalances in Nigeria and break the cycle of silence that perpetuates suffering and misinformation.
