Varicose veins are veins that are distorted and swollen. Varicose veins may occur in almost any vein near the skin’s surface (superficial). This condition is most typically found in the legs due to the fact that standing and walking raise the strain in the veins of the leg muscles. Varicose veins are quite common and widespread. They can range in size from microscopic spider veins to huge, visible bulging veins. They most commonly appear on the legs and feet, where they can cause ulcers and bleeding around the foot. And did you know? Almost 7% of the world’s population do suffer from some type of varicose veins. And Women are twice as likely as men to develop varicose veins for various reasons.
Although it may not appear right, women are more likely than males to get varicose veins. They’re actually twice as common. Why, you might ask, Why are women more prone to acquiring these twisted veins? In fact There are a wide range of possibilities for these veins. Varicose veins can be bothersome for certain people due to their appearance. However, if left untreated, varicose veins can create serious health concerns. There might be a relationship between varicose veins and blood clots in your legs’ deeper veins. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of varicose veins in women’s legs.
Causes of Varicose Veins in Women
The most prominent misunderstanding is that varicose veins exclusively affect the elderly. This misperception is reasonable, because as we age, our veins and valves age as well, becoming weaker. It might surprise you that a woman in her 20s can develop varicose veins.
As stated previously, varicose veins are much more frequent in women than in men. And as you grow older, your chances of having varicose veins rise. Women are more likely than males to develop varicose veins due to two major factors: “Pregnancy and Hormones”.
Pregnancy:
Throughout pregnancy, your blood volume rises to provide your baby with the nutrients and oxygen as he or she requires for growth and development. The increased blood volume might put strain on your blood vessels and cause veins to bulge. Furthermore, the added weight you’re storing in your stomach might put strain on your veins. These two factors are the most likely to weaken or destroy your valves, resulting in varicose veins.
Varicose veins may appear during pregnancy and disappear within the first few months after your baby is born. However, with each subsequent pregnancy, your veins can deteriorate, making it more difficult for them to rebound to normal. This might potentially be the reason for developing varicose veins.
Hormones:
Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that govern fertilization and menstrual cycle. These two hormones also may have an impact in why women are more prone than males to acquire varicose veins. These hormones allow the muscles to relax that govern the blood flow in your veins. This relaxation may disrupt blood circulation and cause pooling.
Aside from maternity and hormones there are also few other causes that women may be predisposed to varicose veins including
Family History:
Having a family member or personal history of varicose veins increases the risk of developing or recurring it. A study conducted shows that over half of women with varicose veins had a family history who also had varicose veins.
Long durations of sitting or standing:
Spending a long time sitting or standing, particularly spending more than 4 hours of sitting or standing continuously can also be a risk in developing varicose veins. This is because working against gravity makes it harder to pump the blood to your heart.
Overweight or Obesity:
We all know that being overweight can lead to many health conditions that include varicose veins as well. Being additional weight can put extra stress or pressure resulting in varicose veins. Women with extra weight are more likely to develop when compared with healthy women.
Age:
Yes, age is also one of the most common reasons to develop varicose veins. The valves in your veins may deteriorate and stop working appropriately as we grow. As you become older, your muscles weaken as well. And when you move, your calf muscles typically help compress veins and return blood to your heart.
Having any condition that can result in damaging vein:
If your vein has been traumatized, it may become weaker, resulting in varicose veins. and If you’ve ever experienced a blood clot in a vein, this can also damage the vein and make it weaker, ending in varicose veins.
Few Preventive Tips
While you can’t alter your genetic history or your work, you may adjust your lifestyle to avoid varicose veins from developing.
● Participating in limited activities such as bike and swimming
● choose flat footwear rather than heels.
● Every day, raise your legs above your heart for 10 to 15 minutes.
● Wearing supportive stockings to avoid blood from clotting in your veins
● Avoid sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.
● If you are overweight, make it a priority to reduce weight.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
● Twisted or Blugged veins
● Pain in the affected area
● Swelling
● Heaviness in the legs
● Muscle fatigue
● Dry and itchy skiing around the affected area
● Leg cramps, especially during nights
● Discolored skin
Many women may also experience a few worsening symptoms during menstruations including;
● Cramping or Throbbing
● Severe itchiness and irritation
And due to Hormonal changes women have an impact on the symptoms. As a result, you may experience extreme symptoms during pregnancy, or throughout menopause.
And it is always advised to consult a doctor when you find any symptoms of varicose veins as, if these veins are left untreated can leave you to develop an open sores or wounds on the ankles and legs, these untreated veins can also lead to bleeding, thrombophlebitis, and chronic venous insufficiency. This is why you must treat your varicose veins as soon as possible. To treat your varicose veins, you should see a vascular surgeon.
Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala of Flow Vascular Clinic is a specialist in the use of Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) to cure varicose veins. Using EVLT, he has successfully treated thousands of individuals with varicose veins. His objective is to deliver customized and high-quality health care to all his patients, and he believes in giving complete healthcare services in a friendly manner to obtain the greatest outcomes. Consult our professionals if you have varicose veins with painful and bothersome symptoms. And do contact us right away if you have any more questions or need additional information!