Suggest Low Dose Of Estrogen To Overcome Hot Flashes While Having High BP

I am almost 67 years old and my OBGYN does not want me to use estrogen. I had a complete hysterectomy in my 40 s and have been taking premarin all this time until last summer. She wanted me off of it and I tried Brisdell to help hot flashes. This did not work so since June of this year I have been on a very low dose of premarin. My doctor wants me to start using a patch called minivelle. Since I am on a fixed income this medication costs $181.00 for a month s supply of this medication. My insurance will not pay any or part of this cost. My question is there not some low dose of estrogen or some help for me. My insurance will not cover the cost and this is truly expensive. I only wish that I did not have those hot flashes but I do. Taking the estrogen helps but by doctor is concerned about high blood pressure which I have, heart attack, liver problems and high cholesterol. I take a blood pressure pill and a cholesterol pill daily. Surely there must be some help for me. I don t mind using the patch but would love to use something that I could afford. Being on a fixed income makes it hard for me to justify paying so much for medication. Any suggestions you can give me will be very helpful. I am even willing to use a cream provided my insurance at least pays for part of it. I am not interested in using any type of ring that is inserted inside me. Thank you for your assistance