Menopause management means treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood changes and vaginal dryness, while protecting long-term bone and heart health. Options include lifestyle changes, menopausal hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen and non-hormonal prescription medicines, chosen after reviewing your health history and personal risks.
- Who it is for
- Perimenopausal & menopausal women
- Main options
- Lifestyle, hormone therapy, non-hormonal
- Vaginal symptoms
- Local estrogen or moisturizers
- Before starting
- History, exam, screening review
- Review
- At least yearly
- Seen by
- Dr. Sun-Ok Lee, OB-GYN specialist
Perimenopause and menopause explained
Menopause is the final menstrual period, confirmed after 12 months without a period. It happens on average around age 51. The years before it, called perimenopause, often bring irregular cycles and the first symptoms as hormone levels fluctuate. Menopause before 40 is considered premature and should always be evaluated.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping, fatigue and brain fog
- Mood changes, anxiety or low mood
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex — see vaginal atrophy
- Urinary urgency or recurrent urinary infections
- Joint aches and changes in skin and hair
What treatment options are available?
| Option | Helps with | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle measures | Mild hot flushes, sleep, mood, bone health | Exercise, limiting alcohol and caffeine, cooling strategies, stopping smoking |
| Systemic hormone therapy (estrogen, plus progestogen if you have a uterus) | Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep, bone protection | Most effective option; benefits and risks depend on age, time since menopause and health history |
| Vaginal (local) estrogen | Dryness, painful sex, some urinary symptoms | Low dose with minimal absorption; can be used long term for many women |
| Non-hormonal prescription medicines | Hot flushes when hormones are not suitable | Certain antidepressants and other agents; side effects vary |
| Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants | Mild dryness and discomfort | Available without prescription |
For dryness that persists, see vaginal dryness treatment.
Is hormone therapy safe for me?
For many healthy women under 60 or within about 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy for troublesome symptoms generally outweigh the risks. Risks are not zero and depend on the type, dose and route:
- A small increase in the risk of blood clots and stroke, lower with skin patches or gels than with tablets
- A small increase in breast cancer risk with combined therapy used for several years
- Estrogen alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer if you have a uterus, which is why a progestogen is added
Hormone therapy is usually not recommended if you have had breast cancer, a blood clot, stroke, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Your doctor reviews your history with you and agrees a plan, the lowest effective approach and a date to review it.
- Hot flushes and night sweats disturbing sleep
- Vaginal dryness or painful sex
- Unsure whether hormone therapy is safe
- Overdue screening and bone health checks
- Treatment aims to reduce hot flushes and improve sleep
- Local options for vaginal comfort
- Personal risk review before any prescription
- Screening and follow-up plan in English
Your menopause consultation at Yoonho
- Symptom review in English Your symptoms, cycle changes, medical and family history, and preferences are discussed in detail.
- Examination and ultrasound A pelvic exam and, when relevant, a pelvic ultrasound check the uterus and ovaries and look for causes of irregular bleeding.
- Screening review Cervical screening, breast imaging, bone health and cardiovascular risk are reviewed; a Pap smear can be done on the same visit.
- Shared decision Options are compared, and you leave with a written plan and prescription if appropriate.
- Follow-up A review after about three months, then at least yearly, to adjust treatment.
Long-term health after menopause
Falling estrogen speeds up bone loss and changes cardiovascular risk, so menopause is a good time to review prevention:
- Bone health — weight-bearing exercise, enough calcium and vitamin D, and bone density testing when recommended.
- Heart health — blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks.
- Cancer screening — cervical and breast screening on schedule; a women’s health check-up can bundle these.
Practical information for international patients
At Yoonho Women’s Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, menopause consultations are held in English, and you can request English prescription details and reports for your home doctor. Bring a list of current medications and any previous mammogram or blood test results. Consultations are generally around ₩50,000–100,000 as a guide; tests and medication are extra, and a written estimate is given after consultation. For booking, insurance and documents, see menopause treatment in Seoul for foreigners.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am in perimenopause?
Changes in cycle length, new hot flushes or night sweats and sleep problems in your 40s are typical signs. Diagnosis is mainly based on age and symptoms; blood tests are useful mainly in younger women or unclear cases.
Does hormone therapy cause weight gain?
Research has not shown that hormone therapy itself causes weight gain. Weight changes around menopause are common and are linked to age, metabolism and lifestyle.
Can I get my usual HRT prescription in Korea?
Many hormone therapy products are available in Korea, but brands and doses can differ from your home country. Bring your current prescription or packaging so the doctor can suggest an equivalent.
How long can I stay on hormone therapy?
There is no fixed limit for everyone. Duration is decided with your doctor based on symptoms, age and risks, and is reviewed at least once a year.
Is bleeding after menopause normal?
No. Any bleeding after 12 months without a period should be checked promptly, usually with an ultrasound and sometimes a biopsy.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.