Menopause › Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Busan

Menopausal hormone therapy replaces some of the estrogen, and for most women progestogen too, that the body stops making. It is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats and helps protect bone. Busan OB/GYNs routinely prescribe and monitor it.

Types of HRT

  • Estrogen plus progestogen : for women with a uterus. The progestogen protects the uterine lining.
  • Estrogen alone : for women who have had a hysterectomy.
  • Tibolone : a synthetic option used in some countries, including Korea.
  • Forms : tablets, skin patches and gels. Transdermal forms (patch or gel) carry a lower clot risk than tablets.
  • Local vaginal estrogen : low-dose creams, tablets or rings for dryness and urinary symptoms, with minimal absorption. See Vaginal Atrophy .

Available brands differ from other countries. Your doctor will choose the product, dose and route.

Benefits and risks

  • Benefits : relief from hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disruption, less vaginal dryness, and prevention of bone loss.
  • Risks : a small increase in blood clots and stroke (mainly with tablets), and a small increase in breast cancer risk with longer use of combined therapy. Risks are lower for women who start before 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
  • Not usually suitable with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

What the visit involves

  • A full history including family history of breast cancer and clots.
  • Blood pressure and weight. Clinics often check that breast screening (mammogram/ultrasound) and cervical screening are current, and may do a pelvic ultrasound.
  • Review after about 3 months, then at least yearly.

Cost and insurance

Consultations and many menopausal hormone products are covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) with a co-pay when prescribed for menopausal symptoms, subject to criteria. Some products or compounded "bioidentical" preparations may be self-pay. Ask the clinic and pharmacy. Screening tests may be covered under the national health screening program if you're eligible.

Tips for foreigners

  • If you're already on HRT, bring the packaging, your dose and your last screening results to avoid a gap.
  • Bring your ARC or passport. NHI rates require enrollment.
  • Use 1330 for interpretation. See our international patients guide .

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

Stop HRT and call 119 for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, a painful swollen leg, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side or trouble speaking. See your doctor promptly for unexpected vaginal bleeding on HRT or a new breast lump.

OB/GYN clinics in Busan for hormone therapy

Call ahead to book a menopause consultation. Bring any previous results.

Clinic Area Phone Listed features
Roaen OB/GYN Clinic Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) 051-804-3000 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Centum Eroom Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-758-8275 Sat, Fertility
Eve & Adam Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-743-7585 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Ms For You Women's Clinic Jwa-dong (Jangsan) 051-636-7975 Sat, Evenings
Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic Oncheon-dong 051-711-2060 Sat, Evenings
Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic Yeonsan-dong 051-714-3500 Sat
Jini OB/GYN Clinic Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) 051-582-8275 Sat, Evenings
Mari Women's Clinic Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) 051-626-1009 Sat, STD tests
She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic Suyeong / Millak area Not listed Sat, STD tests
Rose Women's Clinic Nampo-dong 051-245-7911 Sat, Evenings
L Women's Clinic Hadan-dong 051-207-2727 Sat, Evenings, STD tests

Hormone replacement therapy: FAQ

  • How long can I stay on HRT?

    There is no fixed limit. Many women use it for several years. Your doctor should review the benefits and risks with you at least once a year.

  • Are patches safer than pills?

    Transdermal estrogen (patch or gel) is associated with a lower risk of blood clots than tablets, which matters if you have clot risk factors.

  • Is HRT covered by NHI?

    Many prescribed menopausal hormone products are covered with a co-pay, subject to criteria. Some products are self-pay, so ask the clinic.

  • Can I continue the HRT I used abroad?

    Often a similar product is available. Bring the packaging so the doctor can match the hormone, dose and route.