Hi jennyr265 - like you, I'm a bad Oestrogel absorber, I've also tried tabs but find they peak and dip too much so I've landed on patches which seem to give a more steady delivery which is definitely absorbed, and absorption is the name of the game in this meno business.
If you prefer to stay on gel, there's Sandrena gel you could try. It's a slightly different consistency and I found I absorbed it but just couldn't find the right dose, I may go back to it though.
Your doc should be able to prescribe it for you although there's shortages of some hrt products just now, not sure if this is one, some members keep us updated on another thread called HRT supply issues.
Good luck.