I am 56 years old post menopausal women experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, vagina atrophy, no sex drive, weight gain around my mid section, low energy and memory loss. I plan to start bio identical hormone replacement therapy and I am going to draw my first blood test. What is the difference between 17-beta-estradiol patch and bio identical HRT? I do not want to spend a lot of $$$ on a treatment HRT plan if all I need is a 17-beta-estradiol patch. Please help. my email: is YYYY@YYYY