Getting a comprehensive hormone testing panel in South Korea as a foreigner is very feasible. Korea's advanced medical system offers various options, from specialized clinics to large university hospitals, many with excellent services for international patients.



What's Typically Included in a Hormone Panel?

A "full hormone panel" can vary depending on your symptoms, gender, age, and what the doctor is looking for. However, common hormones tested in a panel often include:

For Women:

• Female Reproductive Hormones:
• Estradiol (E2): The main estrogen during reproductive years.
• Progesterone: Important for ovulation and supporting pregnancy.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Involved in ovarian function and egg production.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation.
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Often tested for ovarian reserve (egg count).
• Prolactin: Associated with lactation and can affect fertility.
• Androgens (Male Hormones present in women):
• Total Testosterone:
• Free Testosterone:
• DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate):
• Thyroid Hormones:
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Primary screen for thyroid function.
• Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) & Free T4 (Thyroxine): Direct measures of active thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid Antibodies (e.g., TPOAb): To check for autoimmune thyroid conditions.
• Other Hormones:
• Cortisol: Stress hormone.
• Insulin/Glucose: Related to blood sugar regulation.
• Vitamin D: Often included as it functions as a pro-hormone.

For Men:

• Male Reproductive Hormones:
• Total Testosterone:
• Free Testosterone:
• DHEA-S:
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Stimulates testosterone production.
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Involved in sperm production.
• Prolactin: Can affect testosterone levels and libido.
• Thyroid Hormones:
• TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibodies.
• Other Hormones:
• Cortisol, Insulin/Glucose, Vitamin D.

Where to Get Hormone Testing in Korea for Foreigners:

You have several excellent options, depending on your needs and budget:

1. University Hospitals (e.g., Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital):

• Comprehensive Health Check-up Programs: These hospitals offer various "health check-up" or "health screening" packages that often include basic hormone panels. For example, Severance Premium Health Check-up Center specifically lists "Male Hormone" and "Female Hormone" tests in their premium check-up programs. These are designed for a thorough overall health assessment.
• Endocrinology Departments: If you have specific symptoms of a hormonal imbalance (e.g., thyroid issues, unexplained fatigue, menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, weight changes), you can schedule an appointment directly with the Endocrinology and Metabolism department. They will order targeted hormone tests based on your consultation.
• International Healthcare Centers: Most large university hospitals have dedicated International Healthcare Centers with English-speaking staff, coordinators, and streamlined services for foreign patients. This makes the process much smoother.
• Pros: High medical standards, advanced equipment, comprehensive approach, easy for foreigners.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, especially without Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS). Appointments might require some waiting time.

1. Specialized Fertility Clinics (e.g., CHA Fertility Center, Seoul Station):

• Female & Male Fertility Check-up Programs: Clinics like CHA Fertility Center offer specific "Fertility Check-up Programs" that include detailed hormone tests relevant to reproductive health for both men and women (e.g., ovarian reserve test, thyroid function & hormone test, semen analysis and hormone test for men).
• Pros: Highly specialized in reproductive hormones, detailed analysis, tailored advice.
• Cons: Might be more expensive if you're only looking for a general hormone check rather than fertility-specific.

1. Health Checkup Centers (e.g., KMI - Korea Medical Institute):

• Comprehensive Packages: KMI and similar large health checkup centers offer various "Global Check-up Programs" that include basic blood tests covering thyroid function and general hormones. You can often add specific hormone tests as "optional items" to their standard packages.
• Pros: Efficient, well-organized, good for general screening.
• Cons: Might not offer in-depth consultation on hormone imbalances unless part of a specialized program.

Cost of Hormone Testing in Korea:

The cost of hormone testing in Korea varies significantly depending on the clinic, the number of hormones tested, and whether it's part of a larger check-up package or a targeted test.

• Individual Hormone Blood Test: As per some sources, a single blood test for a hormonal profile can start from $100 - $200 USD (approx. ₩137,000 - ₩274,000 KRW).
• Targeted Hormone Panels (e.g., specific male or female reproductive hormones):
• Expect to pay anywhere from ₩150,000 to ₩400,000 KRW (approx. $110 to $290 USD) for a targeted panel.
• Comprehensive Health Check-up Packages (including hormone tests):
• These can range widely, from ₩500,000 KRW (approx. $365 USD) for basic packages at centers like KMI, up to ₩1,600,000 KRW (approx. $1,170 USD) or more for premium packages at university hospitals that include extensive hormone testing alongside other comprehensive screenings (e.g., Severance Hospital's Premium Checkups mention male/female hormones).
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) initial consultation and testing: Some clinics specializing in HRT might charge around ₩100,000 to ₩300,000 KRW (approx. $73 to $220 USD) for the initial consultation and hormone level testing.

Important Note on Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS): If you have NHIS and a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC), your costs for medically necessary hormone tests (i.e., if you have symptoms or a diagnosed condition indicating a need for testing) will be significantly reduced. However, if you are getting tests purely for "wellness" or "anti-aging" purposes without a specific medical indication, NHIS may not cover them fully or at all.

How to Get Started:

1. Identify Your Needs: Are you looking for a general health check, or do you have specific symptoms pointing to a hormonal imbalance? This will guide your choice of clinic.
2. Research Clinics: Look for clinics with good reviews from foreigners, clear English websites, and ideally, English-speaking staff.
3. Contact the Clinic: Call or email the clinic/hospital's international patient services. Explain your interest in hormone testing and inquire about:

• What specific hormones are included in their panels.
• The cost.
• Whether you need an appointment or if walk-ins are accepted (appointments are generally recommended for hormone testing).
• Required fasting or specific timing (e.g., for female hormones, testing on certain days of the menstrual cycle is crucial).

1. Consultation: The doctor will take a medical history and decide which specific hormone tests are appropriate for you.
2. Blood Draw: Hormone tests are primarily done via blood draw.
3. Results & Follow-up: Results typically take a few days to a week. You'll then have a follow-up consultation to discuss the results and any potential treatment or lifestyle recommendations.

Korea provides excellent options for hormone testing. Don't hesitate to seek out a reputable clinic to address your health concerns.