Menopause › Hot Flashes

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Busan

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of the menopause transition, and they can disrupt sleep, work and mood for years. Effective treatments exist, both hormonal and non-hormonal, and a Busan OB/GYN can help you weigh them.

What causes hot flashes?

Falling and fluctuating estrogen levels affect the brain's temperature control, triggering sudden waves of heat, flushing and sweating, often followed by chills. They usually start in perimenopause and can continue for several years after the last period. Triggers include alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, hot rooms and stress.

When to see a doctor

  • Symptoms are affecting sleep, work or quality of life.
  • You're under 45, or your periods haven't changed. Other causes such as thyroid problems, medications or infections should be ruled out.
  • You'd like to discuss hormone therapy or non-hormonal medicines.

What the visit involves

  • A history of your periods, symptoms, health and family history (breast cancer, clots, heart disease).
  • Blood pressure check, and sometimes blood tests such as thyroid function or hormone levels . Hormone levels aren't always needed to diagnose menopause after 45.
  • Before starting hormone therapy, many clinics recommend up-to-date breast and cervical screening and sometimes a pelvic ultrasound.

Treatment options

  • Lifestyle measures : layered clothing, a cool bedroom, limiting alcohol and caffeine, regular exercise and not smoking.
  • Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) : the most effective treatment for hot flashes. It suits many healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause. See Hormone Replacement Therapy .
  • Non-hormonal prescription options : certain antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs), gabapentin and newer targeted drugs may help those who can't or don't want to use hormones. Availability varies, so ask your doctor.
  • Supplements : evidence for most herbal products is limited or mixed. Tell your doctor what you take.

Cost and insurance

Consultations and medically indicated tests are generally covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) with a co-pay if you're enrolled. Coverage for specific medicines depends on the product and criteria, so ask the clinic and pharmacy.

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC or passport and a list of current medications, including any HRT you used abroad.
  • Brands differ by country. Bring the packaging so a doctor can match the hormone and dose.
  • Use 1330 for interpretation. See our international patients guide .

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

See a doctor promptly for any vaginal bleeding after menopause (12 months without a period), drenching night sweats with fever or weight loss, or palpitations. Call 119 for chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting during a flush.

OB/GYN clinics in Busan for menopause symptoms

Any OB/GYN can assess and treat hot flashes. Call ahead to book a consultation and ask about menopause care.

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

Hot flashes: FAQ

  • How long do hot flashes last?

    It varies widely. Many women have them for several years, and some for a decade or more.

  • Is hormone therapy safe?

    For many healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits for symptoms generally outweigh the risks. Your doctor will review your personal risks, such as breast cancer, clots and heart disease.

  • What if I can't take hormones?

    Several non-hormonal prescription medicines can reduce hot flashes. Ask your OB/GYN which are suitable and available.

  • Do I need a blood test to confirm menopause?

    Usually not if you're over 45 with typical symptoms. Tests may be used if you're younger or the picture is unclear.