Although Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is effective for many women, it’s not suitable for everyone. Korean women’s wellness clinics emphasize comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to screen for contraindications before beginning therapy.
Here are the main conditions where MHT may be not recommended or require extreme caution:
🚫 1. History of Breast or Endometrial Cancer
Women with a personal history or strong family history of hormone-sensitive cancers (like breast or uterine cancer) are often advised against systemic hormone therapy, as estrogen may fuel cancer cell growth.
Korean approach:
- Routine mammograms and transvaginal ultrasound
- Genetic screening (e.g., BRCA1/2 testing)
- Consider non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers, laser vaginal therapy, or phytoestrogens (plant-based) as safer alternatives.
🚫 2. Uncontrolled Hypertension
Hormone therapy can potentially raise blood pressure, especially oral formulations.
Korean approach:
- Patients undergo 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- Hypertension must be stabilized before considering HRT
- In borderline cases, transdermal estrogen patches with minimal cardiovascular impact may still be used.
🚫 3. Liver Disease or Impaired Liver Function
Since estrogen is metabolized in the liver, women with active liver disorders such as cirrhosis or hepatitis should avoid oral hormone therapy.
Korean approach:
- Liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT) are standard
- Transdermal or vaginal forms bypass the liver and may be safer in mild cases
- Korean medicine alternatives like herbal tonics to support liver detox may be offered.
🚫 4. Thromboembolic Disorders (Blood Clots)
Women with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or known clotting disorders are at higher risk of complications from hormone therapy, particularly oral estrogen.
Korean approach:
- Coagulation tests (D-dimer, protein C/S, antiphospholipid antibodies)
- Family history of stroke or clotting disorders is carefully reviewed
- Safer options include topical vaginal estrogen, low-dose SSRI/SNRIs for hot flashes, or acupuncture for symptom relief.
🚫 5. Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding
Unexpected or persistent vaginal bleeding must be fully evaluated before starting HRT to rule out endometrial cancer or polyps.
Korean approach:
- Pelvic ultrasound and endometrial biopsy if needed
- Menopause clinics offer same-day diagnostics to speed up care
💡 Safe Alternatives for High-Risk Groups – Korean-Style Integrative Options
If you are not a good candidate for hormone therapy, Korean clinics still offer advanced non-hormonal treatments:
| Category | Alternative Options in Korea |
|---|---|
| Vasomotor symptoms | Acupuncture, herbal medicine (e.g., Gamiguibitang), SSRIs/SNRIs |
| Vaginal dryness | Laser vaginal rejuvenation (MonaLisa Touch, Juliet), PRP (platelet-rich plasma), hyaluronic acid injections |
| Mood disturbances | NAD+ IV therapy, mind-body programs, Korean meditation therapy |
| Bone health | Calcium + vitamin D IVs, weight-bearing therapy, phytoestrogen supplements, low-dose bisphosphonates |
📌 Final Takeaway: Safe When Customized — The Korean Way
Menopause Hormone Therapy can be life-changing, but safety comes first. Korean women’s wellness clinics prioritize a customized, medically supervised approach, combining:
- 🧪 Detailed hormonal testing
- 💻 AI-assisted risk prediction models
- 🧘 Integration of Western and Korean traditional medicine
- 💬 One-on-one bilingual consultations
Whether you’re an international patient concerned about safety or looking for holistic, high-tech care, Korea offers an ideal destination for menopause wellness.
🌍 Planning a health retreat in Korea?
Ask about 3- to 7-day Menopause Reset Programs that include diagnostics, custom HRT plans, spa therapies, and wellness consultations—all in English.
