Does anyone take cenestin for surgical menopause? Are estrogen patches safer & as effective? Your thoughts?

I am in surgical menopause due to radical hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. I tried going w/o estrogen after they hysterectomy, but the hourly hot flashes and feeling like I was in a brain fog was unacceptable. Cenestin helps. I am taking 1.25 mgs which is the highest dose. I hear that hormone patches may be safer. Does anyone have any personal esperience with this?