Why Are Varicose Veins Common in Women?
It’s no secret that women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. But why?
The answer may be found in a woman’s hormone levels, specifically progesterone. Progesterone is made by both men and women, but women have more of it in their bodies. It’s responsible for regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle, maintaining some organs and several other functions in the body. Progesterone can also cause blood vessel walls to relax, a factor that may play a role in the development of varicose veins.
As the blood vessel walls relax, the tiny valves inside the vessels also relax. Then, as the blood flows through the vein, it puts pressure on the vessel walls, making the vessel weaker and more susceptible to collapse. Since women have more progesterone in their bodies, they are inherently at higher risk for developing problems with their veins.
In fact, a study of pregnant women found that the progesterone levels were much high among women who had developed varicose veins during their pregnancies than those who did not. Another study examined the effects of progesterone on varicose veins in the legs. It found that the veins have receptors for progesterone that make them more sensitive to the effects of the hormone.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Regardless of the reason why women develop varicose veins more than men, it’s important to know that treatment is available. Several options, including ambulatory microphlebectomy, laser ablation and ultrasound chemical ablation are completely safe ways to remove painful, unattractive varicose veins in yours legs.
But remember, women can also develop problems with veins elsewhere in their bodies. Spider vein treatment will eliminate those small, red or blue, fibrous-looking veins in your legs, on your hips or on your face. Many women are embarrassed to ask about breast vein treatment, but it’s entirely possible to remove the veins that make you feel self-conscious when wearing a bathing suit or low-cut dress. And since your hands are seen so often by others, getting hand vein treatment to reduce the appearance of prominent veins is important for your confidence.
Healthy Veins Are Possible
To learn more about these vein treatments, please contact the Kimmel Institute today. We are experts in vein care and want to help you look and feel your best!