Varicose veins are a common vascular condition affecting millions worldwide. This condition is marked by twisted, enlarged veins that are palpable and seen just under the skin. Varicose veins occur due to blood accumulation in the veins and have genetics, hormones, obesity and lifestyle and the chief influencing factors. So that brings us to the question, are varicose veins more common in women than men.
Research studies suggest that the prevalence of varicose veins is higher in women than in men. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, obesity and lifestyle choices are considered responsible for these numbers.
This article details why varicose veins are more common in women than in men, how each of the factors is responsible for venous insufficiency and how women can protect themselves from developing this condition.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, bulged and swollen veins that often occur in legs and feet. They can also occur in the genital areas, rectum and anus.
Pregnant women and older women are at a higher risk of developing this condition due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during these stages.
So, what causes varicose veins? Vein are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood to the heart for the purpose of oxygenation. Veins in the lower extremities of the body such as legs have to work harder to pump blood against gravity to the heart.
Sometimes vein valves can dysfunction due to many reasons. A malfunctioning valve, which is supposed to control the one-way flow of blood, is unable to do that. As a result, blood pools inside the vein resulting in swelling.
As this blood pooling continues, the fluids leak from the veins into the tissues surrounding the affected vein resulting in skin conditions such as itching, irritation and skin discoloration.
If left untreated, the condition may further worsen leading to skin hardening near the varicose veins, ulceration and even deep vein thrombosis or DVT which can turn life threatening.
Common symptoms of varicose veins include pain, heaviness, swelling and discomfort in the affected areas. Skin changes such as discoloration, itching, irritation and redness can be seen.
The veins can turn deep red or purple in color and become swollen and twisted in appearance.
Women with varicose veins experience pain, especially towards the end of the day, after long hours of standing or after a particularly stressful day.
Resting may not provide immediate relief from the pain but elevating the legs can provide temporary relief.
Some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Instead, they may see varicose veins only as a cosmetic concern.
Why Are Varicose Veins More Common in Women Than Men?
As stated earlier, varicose veins are more common in women than in men. Hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout a woman’s life during stages such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can be blamed for this.
In addition, women leading a sedentary lifestyle or having a higher body weight may also develop varicose veins. Genetics plays a crucial part in developing this condition. Having a parent or a family member who suffers from varicose veins increases the chances of developing it.
Important contributors of varicose veins for women and how they increase the chances of women developing venous insufficiency can be noted:
Hormones
Hormones are one of the important factors in the development of varicose veins, making women more susceptible than men.
Two hormones – progesterone and estrogen – are responsible for the regulation of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. These hormones also influence vein health and elasticity.
Progesterone levels can significantly impact vein health and lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Lower levels of progesterone can relax and stretch veins and cause them to dilate making them more palpable in their appearance compared to a regular vein.
Fluctuations in progesterone levels can damage and weaken the veins, especially in the legs (saphenous veins) hampering proper blood flow. Veins cannot transport blood to the heart, blood accumulates in the veins, veins enlarge and twist, further worsening the condition.
Progesterone fluctuations can also damage the vein valves, which then fail to maintain the unidirectional flow of blood to the heart, leading to blood pooling up in the veins.
Fluctuating estrogen levels also have a similar effect on varicose veins, dilating the existing veins and making them more visible and damaging vein elasticity and the ability to circulate blood.
Women go through constant hormonal fluctuation throughout their life during stages such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
These continuously changing hormone levels throughout their life damage vein elasticity and health making women more prone to developing varicose veins than men.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can influence a woman’s life in more ways than one. While she is nourishing a little life inside her womb, she is also undergoing many physical and psychological changes to prepare her body for the upcoming pregnancy.
One of the important changes in variation in hormone levels. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy to support the uterine lining, promote fetal development and prevent premature deliveries.
Increasing progesterone levels also adversely affect veins by relaxing and dilating them and making them more prone to insufficiency.
As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing uterus, it also puts pressure on the surrounding areas in the abdomen and the lower parts of the body.
Blood vessels have to work harder to pump blood which may lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Increased blood volume and reduced mobility further cause issues with blood circulation and increased accumulation of blood in veins.
Menopause and Advancing Age
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause combined with the effects of ageing can put women at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
The combined effects of these factors leads to decreased collagen production, reduced vein elasticity and flexibility, weakening of vein walls and increased venous pressure.
While ageing can cause varicose veins in both men and women, the contributing factor of higher estrogen levels during menopause puts women at a higher risk for venous insufficiency.
Birth Control and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Women on long term birth control are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins due to the presence of progesterone and estrogen in them which may affect the overall vein health while hampering blood circulation.
Hormone replacement therapy or HRT, often prescribed during menopause to resolve symptoms may also increase the risk of varicose veins.
Genetics
Genetics plays a crucial role in the development of varicose veins. This risk is again higher in women compared to men.
Heredity plays an important role in the structure, functioning and overall health of veins with parents passing on their traits to the next generation. While men carry the risk of developing varicose veins due to genetics, the risk for women is higher.
Lifestyle Factors
Obese women are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins since the excess body weight puts pressure on the blood vessels to pump blood.
Women in jobs involving long hours of standing or sitting and women in sedentary jobs and lifestyle are at a higher risk too since the lack of movement reduce proper blood circulation, especially from the lower extremities of the body to the heart.
High heels and tight clothing are also risk factors for varicose veins since both of them restrict blood flow and proper movement of calf muscles.
Varicose Veins Symptoms
While varicose veins can be of cosmetic concern in some women, others may experience symptoms. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may need to consult a vein expert who will evaluate your condition, decide the varicose vein stage and recommend treatment accordingly.
Some of the varicose vein symptoms most commonly experienced in the legs:
- Palpable enlarged visible veins under the skin
- Pain, discomfort and heaviness in the legs
- Swelling, especially after prolonged periods of standing or stress
- Itching, burning and irritation in the surrounding skin
- Skin discolouration
- Hardening of skin
- Inflammation
- Water retention
- Ulceration
Management And Prevention of Varicose Veins in Women
Since varicose veins are more prevalent in women, it is essential to take proper precautions to prevent development of varicose veins or manage the condition to curb the worsening.
Since lifestyle factors play a vital role in the development of varicose veins, healthy lifestyle changes should be the way forward along with proper medical intervention as needed.
Different ways to manage and prevent varicose veins women need to follow:
Exercise
Varicose veins often occur due to a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of movement can reduce the movement of calf muscles which, in turn, hampers blood circulation.
Simple exercises such as walking, jogging, stretching, swimming and cycling may improve blood circulation and prevent varicose veins.
However, if you have developed varicose veins and are looking to control the worsening, you may need to stay away from high intensity workouts and exercises as it may worsen the condition instead of improving it.
Weight Management
Higher body weight puts excessive pressure on the blood vessels causing them to weaken and while hampering blood circulation.
Losing this excessive body weight may reduce the pressure on blood vessels, improve blood flow and reduce varicose vein symptoms.
Diet Modifications
A balanced diet is the key to reduce the risks associated with varicose veins. A diet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and good fats can help strengthen blood vessels, improve blood flow and reduce the risk of varicose veins.
Berries, citrus fruits, fresh green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, spices and whole grains are beneficial for varicose veins.
Processed foods, junk foods, foods high in salt and sugar, canned and packed foods, packaged juices, fast foods, alcohol and high intake of caffeine must be avoided.
Leg Elevation
Leg elevation is believed to improve blood circulation and is often suggested as a remedy for varicose veins. Keeping the legs elevated for a few minutes in multiple sessions throughout the day can be beneficial.
Compression Stockings
Compression stocking also may help varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation thereby resolving the symptoms of varicose veins.
Medical Intervention
Medical intervention is a must for those suffering from venous insufficiency. If you suspect you may have varicose veins, you will need to see a varicose vein expert who will do a physical checkup, run tests and suggest treatment plans accordingly.
Varicose veins may not disappear completely, however it is possible to resolve the symptoms. Early medical intervention with regular follow-ups is vital to control varicose veins and prevent worsening.
Treatment protocols may include sclerotherapy, cryolaser therapy, radio frequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation treatment etc. Vein stripping and ligation may be used in severe conditions.
Conclusion
Are varicose veins more common in women than men? Yes, they are. Factors such as hormonal variations, pregnancy, menopause, obesity and lifestyle factors can contribute to women being at a higher risk than men to develop this condition.
Medical intervention is a must for those suffering from venous insufficiency. If you suspect you may have varicose veins, you will need to see a vein specialist at Avis Hospitals, who will do a physical checkup, run tests and suggest treatment plans accordingly.
Treatment protocols may include sclerotherapy, radio frequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation treatment etc. Vein stripping and ligation may be used in severe conditions.
Women with family history of varicose veins need to be careful as they can inherit this condition easily.
A healthy lifestyle, balanced nutritious meals, hydration and early medical intervention can help women resolve the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is more prone to varicose veins?
Women are more prone to varicose veins than men. Individuals with a family history of varicose veins are also at a higher risk for developing the conditions. Other factors contributing to varicose veins include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hormone fluctuations, older age, smoking and drinking.
Why don’t guys get varicose veins?
Men get affected by varicose veins but the risk is lesser than that of women. Men in old age may have a higher chance of developing venous insufficiency. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet choices and habits such as smoking and drinking can increase the incidence of varicose veins in men.
Is it comfortable to live with varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a chronic condition and may not completely disappear. However, it is not life threatening as long as it is managed properly with treatment, medication and remedies. Long term unresolved varicose veins can lead to complications such as DVT which can get life threatening. If you suspect you have varicose veins, you must see a varicose vein specialist who will guide you on the further course of action.
Is walking good for varicose veins?
Yes, low impact exercises such as walking are good for varicose veins as they promote blood circulation and facilitate movement of calf muscles.Walking also reduces pressure on veins and helps maintain a healthy weight. Other low impact exercises good for varicose veins are jogging, cycling and swimming.
Can varicose veins disappear with exercise?
No, varicose veins do not disappear with exercise. However, exercising reduces the severity of the symptoms and may prevent worsening of the condition. Varicose veins are a chronic condition and may not disappear naturally. Surgical procedures may help resolve it to a certain extent.
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