Quick intro
VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly saliva hormone testing for travelers and Seoul residents who want a non-invasive way to assess selected hormones—especially diurnal cortisol. Located on the 3rd floor of Beneheim City (162 Apgujeong-ro), we’re a short walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 5.
What is saliva hormone testing?
A non-invasive collection using small tubes (no needles). Saliva can reflect the free, bioavailable fraction of certain hormones. It’s commonly used for cortisol day-curve profiles and, in selected cases, sex-hormone monitoring.
When it’s useful (examples)
- Stress & sleep rhythm: 4-point cortisol (morning, noon, evening, bedtime)
- Perimenopause/menopause discussions and therapy follow-ups (case-by-case)
- Shift work/jet lag rhythm checks
- Baseline monitoring before lifestyle or treatment changes
Note: Some conditions are still best evaluated with blood tests (e.g., thyroid, prolactin, pregnancy testing, many fertility labs). Your physician will advise the right mix.
Markers we can arrange (doctor-guided)
- Cortisol day profile (1–4+ samples across a day)
- DHEA-S, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol (selected cases)
- Melatonin (night sample) where appropriate
Who might not be a candidate
- Patients with pacemakers/implantables or acute illness needing urgent care
- Individuals using topical/transdermal hormones near the mouth/face (risk of sample contamination)
- Anyone with bleeding gums at collection time (blood contaminates saliva)
- If you need diagnostic thyroid or pregnancy testing → we will recommend serum labs instead
How to prepare (simple checklist)
- No food/drink (except water) 30 minutes before each sample
- No brushing/flossing 30 minutes prior; avoid bleeding gums
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, vigorous exercise, and gum just before sampling
- Tell us about hormones/creams/patches; we may adjust timing
- Taking high-dose biotin? Ask if you should pause 48–72 hours (some immunoassays can be affected)
Visit flow (what to expect)
- Brief consult → symptoms, goals, medications, cycle details (if applicable)
- Plan selection → e.g., 4-point cortisol ± other markers
- Collection: in-clinic or take-home kit with timed vials + instructions
- Lab processing → results review with a clinician (in person or message)
- Next steps → lifestyle guidance and, when indicated, further testing or treatment
Turnaround time
Most panels return in 3–7 business days (varies by lab and number of markers). We can message you with English results and summarize next steps.
Pricing & insurance notes
- Fees vary by panel size and number of samples
- Most visitors pay upfront; many insurers reimburse with documentation
- Request an itemized English receipt (add diagnosis codes when applicable)
Safety note (what saliva testing is not for)
If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, confusion, stroke symptoms, very high fever with dehydration, call 119 or go to an ER. Saliva testing is not an emergency service.
Hours & location
- Mon/Thu/Fri: 10:00–19:00
- Tue: 10:00–20:00
- Sat: 10:00–16:00
- Lunch: 13:00–14:00 (except Sat)
- Closed: Wed & Sun
Address: 3F, VEI Clinic, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Beneheim City, near Apgujeong Station Exit 5)
Phone:
02-542-8275 /
010-5700-7597
What to bring
- Passport/ID, Korean phone number (if any)
- Medication & supplement list, allergies, prior lab results
- Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim
Why choose VEI Clinic Apgujeong
- English-friendly internal-medicine team used to caring for expats and travelers
- Clear guidance on when saliva vs blood testing is appropriate
- Flexible collection (in-clinic or take-home kit) and private rooms
- Easy follow-up with English summaries and insurance-ready receipts
Book now (quick script)
Call/Text: “Hello, I’d like to book
saliva hormone testing (cortisol day profile ± sex hormones). Could you share
today/tomorrow availability,
turnaround time, and a
quote? I’ll need an
English receipt. Thank you!”
