Women's Health › Hormone Blood Tests
Hormone Blood Tests in Busan
Hormone blood tests help explain irregular or missed periods, acne or excess hair growth, fertility concerns and menopause symptoms. Busan OB/GYN clinics can draw blood on site, and results for most tests come back within a few days.
Common female hormone tests
- FSH and LH: pituitary hormones that control ovulation. They're used to assess ovarian function, PCOS and menopause.
- Estradiol (E2): the main estrogen. It's often checked alongside FSH early in the cycle.
- Progesterone: measured in the second half of the cycle to confirm ovulation.
- AMH: reflects the remaining egg supply (ovarian reserve). It can be tested on any day.
- Prolactin: high levels can stop periods or cause nipple discharge.
- Thyroid (TSH, free T4): thyroid problems commonly affect periods and fertility.
- Testosterone and other androgens: checked when PCOS or excess hair growth is suspected.
When to get tested
Timing matters. FSH, LH and estradiol are usually drawn on day 2 to 5 of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of full bleeding). Progesterone is typically checked about a week before your next expected period. If your periods are very irregular, the doctor will choose a timing for you. Some tests, such as prolactin, may be more accurate in the morning, so ask whether you need to fast or come early.
What the visit involves
The doctor reviews your symptoms and cycle history, and may do a pelvic ultrasound at the same visit to look at the ovaries and lining. Blood is drawn at the clinic. Results are usually ready within a few days, though some specialized tests take longer. Book a follow-up to go over what the numbers mean, since a single result often needs context or repeating.
Cost and insurance
When hormone tests are ordered to investigate symptoms or a diagnosis such as irregular periods or suspected PCOS, many are partly covered by NHI. Tests requested for general screening, and some specific tests such as AMH in certain situations, may be self-pay. Coverage depends on the medical reason, so ask the clinic for an estimate before blood is drawn.
Tips for foreigners
- Bring your ARC or passport, and note the first day of your last period.
- Bring any earlier results from your home country. Units can differ, so the doctor can compare them.
- Ask for a printed copy of your results.
- See the international patients guide for language help.
Related
- Ovarian Reserve Test (AMH)
- Fertility Assessment
- PCOS
- Irregular Periods
- Perimenopause
- International Patients
When to get help sooner
See a doctor soon if you've missed three or more periods and you're not pregnant, have milky nipple discharge, notice rapid hair growth or a deepening voice, or have severe headaches with vision changes.
Busan clinics for hormone testing
These clinics and hospitals are listed with fertility services, so they routinely do reproductive hormone testing. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm before you go.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liora Women's Clinic | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | Not listed | Sat, Evenings, Fertility |
| Eroom Women's Clinic (Seomyeon) | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Isarang OB/GYN Clinic | Gaegeum | 051-890-7000 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, Fertility |
| Inje University Busan Paik Hospital | Gaegeum | 051-890-6114 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, English support, Fertility |
| Jeil Women's Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-743-7431 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, Fertility |
| Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-797-0100 | Female doctor, Delivers, English support, Fertility |
| Centum Eroom Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-758-8275 | Sat, Fertility |
| Samsung Jeil OB/GYN Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-747-3999 | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Joeunnal Edrama Women's Hospital | Allak-dong | 051-522-7575 | Female doctor, Delivers, Fertility |
| Sehwa Hospital | Oncheon-dong | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Bonbebe Women's Clinic | Oncheon-dong | Not listed | Sat, Evenings, Fertility |
| Yeonje Ilsin Hospital | Yeonsan-dong | 051-862-2002 | Delivers, Sat, Fertility |
Hormone blood test FAQ
Which day of my cycle should I get tested?
For FSH, LH and estradiol, usually day 2 to 5 of your period. For progesterone, about 7 days before your next expected period. AMH and thyroid tests can be done on any day.
Do I need to fast?
Most reproductive hormone tests don't require fasting. If the doctor is also checking blood sugar, insulin or cholesterol (for example, for PCOS), you may be asked to fast. Confirm when you book.
Will hormonal birth control affect my results?
Yes. The pill, patch, ring and hormonal IUD can change some hormone levels. Tell the doctor what you're using. They may advise stopping it before some tests.
Are hormone tests covered by NHI?
Often, when they're ordered to investigate symptoms or a diagnosis. Screening-only tests may be self-pay. Ask the clinic for an estimate first.