Blood clots play an essential role in healing cuts, scrapes, and bruises. However, they become dangerous when they block blood flow to vital organs like the brain or heart, potentially leading to a stroke or heart attack. Another serious type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can move up from the legs to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots are not something to be taken lightly. If you have a personal or family history of blood clots, make sure to inform your doctor. That said, if you’re a healthy, non-smoking, postmenopausal woman with no history of blood clots, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweigh the risks. HRT delivered through the skin, such as via a cream or patch, does not increase the risk of blood clots. Talk with your doctor about all available options, including types of HRT, dosage, and delivery methods (pill, patch, or cream).