Hi worldaccordingtome
from me too.
Yes it's a good idea to start on a lower dose of oestrogen and build up gradually to minimise side effects ( although some women don't seem to get any). I can't help re when to take it as I've never taken tablet HRT - hopefully someone else will be along!
If your mum suffered from osteoporosis then I would go for a higher dose eventually - you are only 47 and you can safely take HRT until the natural average age of menopause (51/2), without risk.
You might find a transdermal method will give you a higher dose - for example a 50 mcg patch is licensed as osteoporosis preventing. The degree of effectiveness in this respect is dose dependent ie the greater the oestrogen dose, the greater the protective effect on bones.
I presume you are also eating (drinking) plenty of calcium rich foods and taking weight bearing exercise?
Hurdity x