Reasons Women Have a Greater Risk of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, women are more likely to develop varicose veins, which can lead to significant health risks without the right type of varicose vein treatment in Houston. This article will provide a closer look at some of the reasons why women are more susceptible to varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Hormones

For many years, the best explanation for the elevated risk of varicose veins in women was simply that women have weaker veins than men do. More recently, research has indicated that weakness in the veins of the legs is highly attributable to the hormone progesterone, which women have much more of than men. The risk of varicose veins is highest in women when progesterone levels in the blood are high, such as during pregnancy, menstruation, or puberty. Additionally, the use of some hormonal birth control pills can worsen varicose veins.

Pregnancy

In addition to the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy, there are other physical changes in the body that can put pressure on the veins and lead to venous insufficiency. During pregnancy, women will gain a substantial amount of weight, and the growing uterus will put direct pressure on the veins. There is also an increase in the amount of blood in the body during gestation, so the veins will become enlarged, even during the earlier months of pregnancy.

Fashion

One of the preventable causes of varicose veins often seen in women is poor fashion choices. Wearing high-heeled shoes inactivates the calf muscle pumps causing the veins to work harder when pumping blood back to the heart. Opting for supportive footwear can help to prevent varicose veins in women. If you do notice that your clothing choices are causing discomfort or other early signs of poor circulation, try wearing compression stockings to restore healthy blood flow in the lower body.