Kerrieann I am on a very low dose patch but as have had a hysterectomy I don't have to use progesterone/progestin. To be honest I still have joint pain as you know, estrogen is very good at preserving bone along with a good diet and exercise and it is said to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, but I have still had some problems.
My blood tests came back with no sign of inflammation too, but I have a feeling that osteoarthritis (wear and tear) does not show up in the tests.
I did mention to you that Boron increases hormone levels naturally, probably in the same way that alcohol does.
I think you should go back and see the GP who prescribed your patches and ask him for the lowest dose combined HRT which is progesterone friendly.
We don't have Menostar yet in the UK which is 0.14 and can be used without progesterone and those ladies who have not had a hysterectomy, in theory you could cut a .25 patch in half, if you are using a Matrix patch and not a Reservoir one , but its always best to check with your Doctor.
Smoking is not a good thing and you are probably fed up with hearing this, but it does use up your natural estrogen and is not good for collagen at all.
Your doctor must have known you smoked and he still prescribed HRT for you so as I said you should go back to see him and discuss it.
Not sure if I have been of much use in this post.
When I said "alcohol" I meant what it contains e.g. resveratrol, or hops.