Oh no! I would be so upset, it does indeed sound like you are going round in circles!

and 5 minutes??? That would start my anxiety off good and proper before I'd even started!!

So you have to go back to the HRT 'expert'

I'd be inclined to see another GP to talk about the side stepped pain relief, and to get their take on the whole thing.
I do realise though, that all this takes it out of you, so understand if you'd not want to do that. Gah!
Which antidepressant did he give you, if you don't mind me asking?