u/Common-Abalone-8540

I've been using patches for the past 6 months or so since my hysterectomy (46yo, still have one ovary), but I am getting really frustrated with the rashes I get under every single one, to the point where I am starting to have seemingly permanent dark marks in the shape of the patches. Does anyone know if the hype about oral HRT being so much more risky is valid or not? My mom has taken the smallest dose of oral estrogen for over 30 years since her hysterectomy, and she is fine. Also curious about the gel and how people's experience is with that. TIA!!

PS I am not looking for suggestions on how to avoid the rashes -- I have tried everything.