Hi Tween,
I understand being scared and anxious, but please don’t worry. Your gp has given you the”gold standard”, and it’s worth a good go. Most women find their right level with a bit of help and it can be plain sailing.
I am soon to be 51 and have been on HRT for about a year now. I started on gel and utrogestan and am now on a patch and utrogestan. I take the utrogestan for 12 days out of 4 weeks. There was an adaptation period, but that settled after a few months.
Most women who are still having periods would be put on that regime, 2x utrogestan a night for 12 days, however those who are post menopausal will take 1x utrogestan a night every night. The leaflet also gives the option of 1 a night for 25 or 26 days. Most GP s don’t use this option but it is also there, get your prescription and see what instructions the pharmacist prints on it for you. For some women, usually those with endometriosis, they may be instructed to use utrogestan every night even if they still have periods. This all means that there are options for you if one style doesn’t suit you, however my advice would be to take what your doctor advised for 3 months and then see how you feel. Low mood can sometimes take longer to resolve than hot flushes, so while physical symptoms can go in the first few weeks, low mood can take 3 months or more.
Honestly, there are lots of us on HRT happily so please don’t worry.