Hi and welcome
The meno is a roller coaster - we are taught about puberty but no one prepares us for what meno can bring!!!!
Your friend is right, it does take time for the body to adjust and settle on HRT, especially in the peri stage when your own hormones will be fluctuating. There will always be compromises with any HRT. If you are generally feeling better, then I wouldn't start chopping and changing - give Elleste at least 3-6 months. Just enjoy feeling better and cut down on the calories - so small, highly nutritious meals, try cutting down portions by a third.
Do look under treatments on this site - there are other options to try if this HRT doesnt settle but beware of thinking the grass is greener - you'll read many posts on this site about women having all sorts of problems with the different HRTs - we are all different so will respond differently to these things.
It is particularly important to look at lifestyle choices at this stage in our lives e.g. diet and exercise. The weight and body shape does change whether on HRT or not - oh, the joys of getting older!!!!! HRT does tend to plump us up a bit but if you find you have more energy because the HRT is making you feel better, then get out there and do more exercise - I love brisk walking.
It's early days for you with HRT - give it more time. Keep us posted. DG x