3 Top Reasons Women Are at Higher Risk from Varicose Veins
Many factors contribute to vein issues in modern society, including circulation problems, chronic health conditions, and lengthy periods spent sitting or standing. Approximately 40-50% percent of American women struggle with varicose veins during their lifetime.
To prevent varicose and spider veins and to understand why they occur, you need to know why women are at higher risk. At Vanishing Veins Northwest in Renton WA, we can help you understand why you might be at higher risk. Here are three common reasons:
Hormones
The first reason women have an increased risk of varicose veins is because of differences in hormones. Women create more progesterone than men, which affects the rigidity of the veins of the legs.
Women often develop varicose veins during pregnancy, menstruation, or puberty when your progesterone levels are high. In addition, some hormonal birth control pills can also worsen varicose veins.
Pregnancy
The changes in your body during pregnancy may cause venous insufficiency and hormonal fluctuations. In addition, weight gain and growing uterus pressure can lead to varicose veins during pregnancy as you experience an increased blood flow in the body. The weight of carrying a fetus can cause blood pressure to build up in the legs, forcing more blood flow into these surface veins. The result is dilated veins under the skin that have the classic appearance of “squiggly worms” on the back of the knees, calf, or around the thigh.
What You Wear
The clothes and shoes you wear can affect your varicose veins. For example, when blood is pumped back to the heart, your veins work harder when you wear high-heeled shoes.
You can prevent varicose veins with the help of supportive footwear. To restore healthy blood flow in the lower body, wear compression stockings if you are experiencing discomfort from your clothing and footwear.
Next Step: Consult with Vanishing Veins Northwest
At Vanishing Veins Northwest, we know how varicose can affect you and your loved ones. Many patients mistake varicose veins as purely cosmetic; in fact, varicose veins can become very painful and unbearable, and significantly affect a person’s ability to work or perform basic daily activities. We offer supportive consultations and recommendations to help mitigate and prevent varicose veins.
When you reach out to our team, we’ll help you understand your current health and risk factors and what you can do to minimize the effects of varicose veins.