Hi and welcome to MM Lleuad
Doctors and the media are very strong on telling women about the dangers of HRT but rarely emphasis the benefits. The risks are very small until we are 60 and if you use HRT beyond 60 then the risks do increase slightly.
I wouldn't worry about you family history - just have the regular mammograms, keep you weight under control and get enough exercise, so you reduce your risk factors generally.
Benefits of HRT are:
Protection for bones and heart for the long term.
Reduced risk of bowel cancer.
Protection against urogenital atrophy ( this can be nasty)
Maintains skin, muscles and joints.
Reduces menopause symptoms which brings a better quality of life.
The risks: a very, very small risk of DVT and breast cancer.
If you read the labels of even over the counter medications, you would probably decide not to use them because the pharmaceutical companies list all possible side effects so they can't be held responsible for any problems.
Use the patches and enjoy feeling better. Let us know how you get on. DG x