Hey there. I've experimented a lot with HRT protocols and can tell you and studies verify that estrogen is a pain reducer.

yes, oral hrt causes more issues with liver and all that this means, but it also creates a steady state that transdermal cannot create. Meaning, say you're using a patch, within 24 hours after removing the patch you're back at your base levels. It just depends on what each person wants/feels is most important.

there is an old doc that I've used a lot thru the years. It tells you exactly which estrogen does what and why in easily understood language. If you search "Cenegenics pharmacology of estrogens and progestogens..." it should come up. PDF doc.

I've found buccal/sublingual to be very effective method.

Hope this helps.