Hi gryc,
BO does not affect everyone the same, it seems there are 3 groups, for one group there is no affect at all, another group say they experience the effects of a long period of time, and the 3rd group state they feel effects basically from day one, which is where I fall, you may fall into the the last category.
As for effed up, IDK. Usually the best way to start is slowly, and gradually increase incrementally after 30 days, it should take 4 to 6 months to get to the optimum dose.
HRT should be medically supervised, some people DIY it, but it's not optimal. I live in the USA so it was pretty easy to get, even though I am not trans, it doesn't make a difference here. As for will you feel anything different? Yes, and no. Lol! Seriously though, in my experience, what took months for me to feel on BO, came within days on HRT, and what took 2 years on BO, HRT put that on the express lane.
I started BO for breast enhancement and feminization, I liked the effects, even the growing pains, while unexpected, were welcome. I just wasn't getting the budding or nipple sensitivity as described by some, the hour glass shape and butt fat were slowly developing. After starting estradiol, within 30 days my nipples developed sensitivity and soarnes, hips are widening, and finally I am developing breast buds, it will be 6 months and I am really happy with the effects. If I just end up on low dose for ever I am ok with that, however I may just run the course through female puberty and switch to a BO UG blend for maintenance. IDK yet, right now I am just enjoying the ride.
Hope that helped a little.