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Menopause: Symptoms, Health Checks and Treatment Options in Seoul

What is menopause?

Menopause is the natural end of menstrual periods, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce much less estrogen. It is confirmed after 12 months in a row without a period, with no other cause. The average age of menopause is around 50, and most people reach it between 45 and 55. Menopause before age 40 is called premature ovarian insufficiency and should be evaluated.

Menopause can also happen after surgery that removes both ovaries, or after some cancer treatments.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Mood changes, irritability, or low mood
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Vaginal dryness, itching, or pain during sex
• Needing to urinate more often, or repeated urinary tract infections
• Joint aches, dry skin, and thinning hair
• Lower sex drive

Vaginal and urinary symptoms are called genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Unlike hot flashes, they often continue or get worse over time without treatment.

What health changes happen after menopause?

Lower estrogen levels increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and change cholesterol levels, which affects heart health. Regular checkups after menopause often include bone density, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and cancer screening.

When should I see a doctor?

See a gynecologist if symptoms affect your sleep, work, or relationships; if you are under 45 and your periods have stopped; or if you want to discuss hormone therapy or bone health.

See a doctor promptly for any vaginal bleeding after menopause. It is usually benign, but the uterine lining must be checked. Seek emergency care (call 119) if you have chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, sudden severe headache, or heavy bleeding with dizziness.

How is menopause evaluated at the clinic?

For most people over 45, menopause is diagnosed from symptoms and the menstrual history, without blood tests. Dr. Eun may recommend:

• Blood tests for hormones (such as FSH) in younger people or when the picture is unclear, and thyroid tests if symptoms overlap
• A transvaginal ultrasound to check the uterine lining, fibroids, and ovaries, especially before hormone therapy or if there is bleeding
• A Pap smear if cervical screening is due
• Breast ultrasound and other screening as part of a women's health checkup

What are the treatment options for menopause?

•   Menopause hormone therapy (MHT): estrogen, with a progestogen for people who have a uterus, is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats and helps prevent bone loss. For most healthy people under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, benefits usually outweigh risks. It is not suitable for people with some conditions, such as a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or stroke.
• Vaginal estrogen and moisturizers: low-dose vaginal estrogen, lubricants, and moisturizers treat dryness and pain during sex.
• Non-hormonal medicines: certain antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) and other prescription medicines can reduce hot flashes for people who cannot or do not want to use hormones.
• Lifestyle: regular exercise, weight-bearing activity for bones, adequate calcium and vitamin D, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.

The clinic also offers a placenta-extract injection (Melsmon), which is approved in Korea for relief of menopausal symptoms; ask Dr. Eun whether it is appropriate for you. Individual results vary.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about menopause in English.

   

Day	Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri	10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Tue, Thu	10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30)
Sat	10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
Sun and public holidays	Closed

Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.

Frequently asked questions

Is menopause hormone therapy safe?

For most healthy people under 60 or within 10 years of their last period, the benefits of hormone therapy usually outweigh the risks. Risks depend on age, health history, and the type of therapy. Dr. Eun reviews your history before recommending treatment.

How long do menopause symptoms last?

Hot flashes and night sweats last on average several years, and for some people more than 10 years. Vaginal dryness often continues without treatment. Treatment can be adjusted over time based on your symptoms.

Do I need a blood test to confirm menopause?

Usually not if you are over 45 and have typical symptoms and changes in your periods. Blood tests may be useful if you are younger than 45, use hormonal contraception, or have unclear symptoms.

Can I still get pregnant around menopause?

Yes, until menopause is confirmed. Contraception is generally recommended until 12 months without a period after age 50, or 24 months if under 50. Ask the doctor which method suits you.

How much does a placenta injection for menopause cost?

The listed out-of-pocket price for a Melsmon placenta injection at Eunice Women's Clinic is 30,000 KRW. Prices may change; confirm with the clinic. Ask Dr. Eun whether it is suitable for your symptoms.

Related pages

•  Menopause Hormone Therapy
• Placenta Injection
• Perimenopause
• Women's Health Checkup
• Transvaginal Ultrasound

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.