Sorry to intervene but while bleeding on continuous combined regimen, such as Evorel conti or Elleste Duet conti, is common in the first 6 months, if it persists beyond 6 months or occurs again at a later stage, it should be investigated--please contact your GP urgently.
The bleeding may be due to an imbalance of the hormones in the HRT but examination and full assessment is recommended.
I would not recommend taking tablets on alternate days, or cutting down the patch.
Elleste Duet conti is a high dose preparation and at age 68 it is very likely that a lower dose will still provide benefit and less problems such as bleeding. Taking a lower dose estrogen preparation with appropriate progestogen is better than alternating days.
Also, Evorel conti is medium dose and lower dose may be all that is needed. Similar to above, there are better ways of taking lower dose of estrogen patch, with separate progestogen.
These adjustments can be made once the bleeding has been investigated.
I hope that this is helpful
Best wishes
Heather