Ladies...pre menopause???

has anyone used the Vivelle dot patch? (estrogen)? i heard it was bad to take hormones but my doctor did nothing but brag about this patch. i am pretty sure i am pre-menopausal, but i didn't take the blood test because there is really no point. i had a complete physical in december 07 and ped with flying colors. i am very tired, irritable, forgetful, moody, weight gain......etc. i have not experienced hot flashes or missed periods...yet. my doctor said i won't get cancer from these hormones, but i heard that you can. she said this patch will help with all my mentioned symptoms. can anyone offer advice on this? i'm 45 years old. thanks.