Looking for advice on perimenopause & starting HRT

Hello everyone,
My doctor suspects I’m in perimenopause and has prescribed oestrogen patches and Utrogestan (days 15–28). My main symptoms are anxiety, sadness, irritability, poor sleep and some joint stiffness.
I’m very nervous about starting HRT because I’m worried about taking it correctly and about cancer risks. I’ve read that you need to be well informed before beginning, and I’m trying to understand the timing, especially whether the withdrawal bleed after day 28 counts as Day 1 of my cycle.
I’m also unsure whether patches or gel work best. I’m worried patches might come off when swimming or showering, and I’ve read that gel requires avoiding skin contact for an hour.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has used this combination or who felt anxious before starting HRT. Did it help your symptoms? How did you manage the progesterone schedule?
Thank you in advance. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and would love some reassurance or practical tips.