Hormone replacement is most commonly used to treat hot flashes and other severe symptoms of menopause.
Researchers in Montreal looked at 54,000 women age 35 and older. Those who used patches were one-third less likely to develop dangerous blood clots in their legs or lungs than those taking estrogen orally.
Researchers believe the skin patches are less risky because they bypass the liver and may not stimulate proteins that cause clots.
