Why Are Women More Likely to Develop Varicose Veins?

Research indicates that varicose veins tend to occur more often in women compared to men. Thus, in one study, the prevalence of varicose veins is 29% in women and 10% in men, increasing in both groups as age increases. Get the best varicose veins treatment in Mumbai.

Interestingly, risk factors also seem to differ between men and women regarding venous diseases. While women with obesity and higher blood pressure develop varicose veins more frequently than women without those risk factors, these factors seemed to have less relevance in men.

 However, in men, smoking appears as a more relevant risk factor in developing the disease. The only common risk factors identified are standing at work and low levels of physical activity.

Possible causes of increased risk for women of having venous insufficiency

At present, there are no absolute explanations for why women seem to be more prone to varicose veins than men. However, pregnancies could play a role in this. Pregnancies and childbirth have been identified as several potential causes that increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Although varicose veins’ incidences are similar among boys and girls at an early age, varicose veins become more frequent in girls.

Signs of varicose veins can be seen in about a third of women who have given birth to a single child, but this proportion reaches 50% after multiple pregnancies. You can find the best varicose vein doctor in Mumbai.

Why do women develop varicose Veins?

Our circulatory system, which carries blood throughout the body, is made up of arteries and veins. The arteries are responsible for pushing red blood full of oxygen and nutrients from the heart to our muscles and organs.

Valves in these veins help blood flow to the heart. When those valves malfunction for whatever reason, the blood cannot return to the chest; instead, the blood accumulates. As blood accumulates in the vein, the vein grows and spreads, turning into rope-like strings characteristic of varicose veins. You can get the best varicose veins treatment.

Here’s why women are at especially high risk for varicose veins:

Progesterone

This Progesterone hormone relaxes the walls of the veins and valves, which can, unfortunately, set the stage for the development of varicose veins. Weaker venous valves have a harder time getting blood back to the heart.

The pregnancy

In pregnancy, the progesterone levels increase considerably. Along with that, the volume of blood circulating in the body swells, and an enlarged abdomen puts more pressure on the legs. All of these factors can lead to the formation of varicose veins. Fortunately, within three months of delivery, varicose veins usually disappear. However, each successive pregnancy tends to inflate the veins, even more, making varicose veins more likely after multiple deliveries.

Related posts

× How can I help you?