Does menopause cause varicose veins?
It is common knowledge that when pregnant you have a predisposed risk to develop varicose veins, but is this also the case for women going through menopause? Continue reading to find out the reasons why you may be more at risk to develop varicose veins if you are going through menopause, and perimenopause.
During pregnancy, there is usually an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone which has a significant effect on the vein walls, specifically this tends to thin the venous walls, leading toweaker veins. In menopause, the body begins to produce less of these hormones. This imbalance causes the vein walls to thicken and constrict blood flow. Ultimately this increases the risk of developing varicose veins. As a result of the hormonal imbalance, and changes to the composition of the vein walls, valves in the legs begin malfunctioning. The thickened vessels make it more difficult for the valves to close and push the blood towards the heart. This can result in pooling of blood in the lower extremities, causing swollen legs and bulging veins to appear.
How to prevent varicose veins during menopause?
It is important to recognize the primary reason that the veins develop and this is mostly related to genetic predisposition. However, making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing this condition. Wearing compression stockings regularly, reducing long periods of inactivity, eating healthy, and staying active can all help to reduce the chance of varicose veins forming. Often symptoms are not associated with varicose veins during menopause, and are mostly treated for cosmetic reasons. Nonetheless, some women may experience symptoms such as swelling, heaviness or tiredness in the legs, and pain.
Menopausal varicose veins can disappear on their own; however, it is recommended to see a specialist to discuss effective treatment options.
Contact us!
At Canada Vein Clinics we specialize in the treatment of varicose veins. We offer numerous treatments for this condition and help to find the best treatment for you. Book a consultation to find out more information! Give us a call today at 1-888-876-8346 , or email us at askdoctor@canadaveinclinics.ca.
