I was on gel for a number of years Anjia, only changing to patches just over 2 years ago. I was on oestrogel & it was fairly effective at keeping flushes at bay. Gel/patches are better for you too as Dancinggirl says as it doesn't go through liver.
I may have been lucky, but don't remember any adverse effects when I initially changed from tablets to the gel. I changed as I'm lactose intolerant & my tablets had lactose in them.