Wondering when I should increase my estradiol levels?

For context, I am a trans woman who has begun their HRT through a remote private medical company starting in late October last year. I am on 50mg of spironolactone anti-androgen a day, and take 3mg estradiol through a transdermal gel.

At about 3 months into my transition, I feel the effects have been positive in terms of my skin, hair, (some) fat distribution, and i'm experiencing no adverse effects (of course its early days). However, when reading online and talking to peers who have gone through this process I tend to hear much larger doses of estradiol mentioned, going up to 10mg. My understanding of course is that I am meant to start on a low dose and increase it over time, but I'm unsure of WHEN I'm meant to do that, and my doctors (who are a bit difficult to reach at times given the remote nature of my treatment) have not been entirely clear on what exactly I need to do.

Additionally, because I have been prescribed a ridiculously big stockpile of estradiol gel, it is quite easy for me to up my own dose, which is part of what is motivating me to ask this question in the first place. At this point I am wondering if I should hold out another 2-3 months until my next blood tests (my last one had a bungled estrogen reading) or if I should take the initiative. I appreciate any advice, especially in regards to your own experiences to increasing dosage!