What Is Menopause?

Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other medical cause.

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing varies.

The transition includes:

• Perimenopause – the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual cycles become irregular.
• Menopause – the point at which menstruation has permanently stopped.
• Postmenopause – the years following menopause.

Hormonal changes during this transition can affect many aspects of physical and emotional health.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Decreased libido
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Difficulty concentrating
• Joint or muscle aches

Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others require medical treatment to improve their quality of life.

Who Should Seek Evaluation?

You should visit a gynecologist if you experience:

• Menopause symptoms affecting daily life
• Frequent hot flashes
• Heavy or irregular bleeding during perimenopause
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Pain during intercourse
• Sleep problems related to menopause
• Early menopause before age 40
• Questions about hormone therapy
• Concerns about bone health

Early evaluation helps identify appropriate treatment options and rule out other medical conditions.

What Happens During Your Visit?

Your appointment may include:

• Medical history review
• Menstrual history assessment
• Symptom evaluation
• Physical examination
• Pelvic examination when appropriate
• Hormone evaluation if indicated
• Pelvic ultrasound when recommended
• Discussion of treatment options
• Personalized menopause care plan

Additional testing may be recommended depending on your symptoms and medical history.

Menopause Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences.

Options may include:

• Hormone therapy when medically appropriate
• Non-hormonal medications for symptom relief
• Vaginal estrogen therapy for vaginal dryness
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
• Lifestyle and nutritional counseling
• Bone health counseling
• Regular preventive health screenings

Your doctor will recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment based on current medical guidelines.

Long-Term Health After Menopause

After menopause, maintaining long-term health becomes increasingly important.

Your doctor may discuss:

• Bone health and osteoporosis prevention
• Heart health
• Weight management
• Healthy nutrition
• Regular exercise
• Cervical cancer screening
• Breast health
• Routine gynecological examinations

Preventive care remains important even after menstrual periods have stopped.

How Should I Prepare?

Before your appointment:

• Record your symptoms and when they occur
• Track your menstrual history
• Bring previous laboratory or imaging results if available
• List your current medications and supplements
• Prepare questions about menopause and hormone therapy

This information helps your doctor develop an individualized treatment plan.

Menopause Care Cost in Seoul

At Y Queen Women's Clinic:

• Consultation fees vary depending on your evaluation.
• Additional costs depend on hormone testing, pelvic ultrasound, laboratory studies, or prescribed medications.
• Your doctor will explain the recommended evaluation and estimated costs during your consultation.

Why Choose Y Queen Women's Clinic?

International patients choose Y Queen because of its:

• English-speaking medical support
• Experienced OB-GYN specialists
• Comprehensive menopause evaluation
• Personalized hormone therapy when appropriate
• Pelvic ultrasound available onsite
• Modern diagnostic equipment
• Comfortable, private consultation rooms
• Convenient Gangnam location
• Foreigner-friendly appointment process
• Individualized women's healthcare

We provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help women navigate menopause with confidence and maintain their long-term health.

Convenient Location in Gangnam

Y Queen Women's Clinic is located in Gangnam, Seoul, with convenient access near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, making it easy for international visitors and residents staying in Gangnam, Cheongdam, Sinsa, Itaewon, Myeongdong, or other central Seoul neighborhoods to receive menopause care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is menopause?

Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual periods and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation due to natural hormonal changes.

At what age does menopause usually begin?

Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing varies from person to person.

Can foreigners receive menopause care in Seoul?

Yes. Y Queen Women's Clinic welcomes international patients and provides English-speaking assistance.

Is hormone therapy safe?

Hormone therapy is safe and effective for many women when prescribed appropriately. Your doctor will review your medical history and discuss the potential benefits and risks before recommending treatment.

Do I need hormone testing?

Hormone testing is not always necessary to diagnose menopause but may be recommended in certain situations, such as early menopause or unclear symptoms.

Can menopause affect sexual health?

Yes. Hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse,

and changes in sexual desire. Several effective treatment options are available.

How long does the appointment take?

Most consultations are completed within 30–60 minutes,

depending on whether additional examinations or laboratory testing are required.

Should I continue seeing a gynecologist after menopause?

Yes. Regular gynecological care remains important after menopause for preventive screenings, management of menopausal symptoms, and overall reproductive health.