Liz - I am on Estradot 50 more or less continuously since age 54 (now 61) and never had any problem with it except if I stick it in the wrong place and somtiems when sitting down in exceptionally hot weather.
I always put on bum cheek away from panti seams and away from low waist jeans (depends what sort of nix you wear - I wear low waisted bikinis. or mini-shorts style, or high leg mini ie all cover most of the bum cheeks so gives added protection to the patch. G strings and brazilians probably no good with patches). Make sure you undo these (jeans) properly when going to the loo because if I slide mine down with the zip still done up (can do this with stretch skinnies!) then it can rub the patch off.
I echo the 30 secs warm palm and I somtimes have a quick feel
![Shocked :o](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/shocked.gif)
in the loo to make sure it's still stuck and give it a warm press if not!
re the dosage of the gel - it can be inconsistent but once you learn and apply in the same way I'm sure it would be fine for you - as the others have said. The absorption varies according to the size of area you spread it on - ie it needs to absorb before it dries so this can lead to variation in dose.
Finally your question about tablets. Any oestrogen only tablet can be used along with Utrogestan - but see if you can get the knack of the patches first as they don't have to go through the liver.
Hope this helps
Hurdity x