Starting Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) can feel like a lot to manage — tablets, patches, gels, creams, capsules. And despite our best intentions, mistakes happen. You’re not alone if you’ve ever taken the wrong dose, mixed up two products, or forgotten to apply something on time.

The good news? Most short-term slip-ups aren’t harmful and can be managed without panic. This article walks you through the most common mistakes and what to do next.

Utrogestan (Micronised Progesterone)

• Forgot a dose? If it’s within 12 hours, take it when you remember. If it’s been longer, skip and take the next one as scheduled. Don’t double up.
• Took too much? One extra capsule is usually not a concern but may cause sleepiness or dizziness. Resume your normal schedule the next day.
• Breakthrough bleeding: Can happen if you miss doses frequently. Any unexplained bleeding should be discussed with your doctor.
• Side effects: Breast tenderness, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur.

Androfeme (Testosterone Cream)

Common mix-ups:

• Applying to the wrong area.
• Confusing it with Ovestin (vaginal oestrogen) cream or accidentally loading it into the Ovestin vaginal applicator.
• Worrying about bubbles in the syringe.

Why this matters:
Androfeme is designed for skin absorption at 0.5 mL (~5 mg testosterone). It should be applied to the outer thigh (it is not intended for vaginal use which would give much faster, higher, and unpredictable absorption — potentially causing side effects like flushing, aches, or mood changes.)

Tips to avoid errors:

• Storage: Keep Androfeme and Ovestin in separate places.
• Applicators: Use only the syringe provided. A tiny bubble won’t affect your dose.
• Future update: An Androfeme pump is expected next year, which should eliminate the potential for mix-up with Ovestin.

Progynova (Oral Oestradiol)

• Forgot a tablet? Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double up.
• Accidentally took two? Usually not harmful, but may cause nausea or breast tenderness.

Estradot (Oestrogen Patches)

• Check the type: Some patches are once-weekly, others twice-weekly.
• Patch fell off?
  • If less than 24 hours: apply a new patch immediately.
  • If longer: apply a fresh patch and resume your schedule.
• Tips: Apply to clean, dry skin; avoid oils/lotions.

Estrogel / Sandrena (Oestrogen Gels)

• Forgot a dose? Apply when you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next one. Don’t double up.
• Applied too much? One extra dose is usually not harmful, but may cause bloating or breast tenderness.
• Tips: Avoid moisturisers or sunscreen for one hour either side of application.

🚩 Red Flags — When to Seek Help

• Multiple extra doses in error.
• Sudden heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of a leg clot (pain/swelling in one leg).
• Unsure which medication you’ve taken.
• Feeling significantly unwell after an error.

In these cases, speak with your pharmacist, doctor, or Healthline for advice.

Final Thoughts

Medication errors are common — and almost always manageable. The most important steps are:

• Don’t panic.
• Double-check your instructions.
• Return to your regular schedule.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure.