What Every Woman of Childbearing Age Needs to Know About Vein Health

Venous disorders are among the most common chronic conditions in America today, with varicose veins affecting over half of the population over the age of 50. Within this group, about 55% are women and about 45% are men. So why are women more likely to develop venous disorders than men? A few reasons, but mostly due to increased hormones and blood in the body during childbearing years, as well as the additional weight and pressure that pregnancy places on the legs.

Hormonal changes take place at a few different stages in a woman’s life; during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The increase in hormones during pregnancy can have negative effects on the collagen and connective tissues of the pelvis as the body prepares to give birth. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body is increased while the flow of blood between the legs and pelvis is decreased, resulting in more pressure on the veins of the legs. The weight of the fetus itself also contributes to this added pressure; many women won’t notice the appearance of varicose veins till late in their pregnancy, when the pressure exerted by the uterus is greatest.

Some women may also notice prominent veins in areas of the body other than the legs during pregnancy. Spider veins and bulging veins can appear on the face, hands, arms, chest, and breasts, especially during periods of frequent or pro-longed breast-feeding. It’s important to note that while uncomfortable, prominent veins in the breast and chest area during breast-feeding are not varicose veins and are completely normal. In this instance, the skin is being stretched as the blood flow increases, simply making the veins more visible, and is especially common in women with fair skin.

The use of birth control pills can also lead to an increased risk for developing vein disease, as the increased presence of estrogen and progesterone hormones can have serious side effects. Estrogen is generally believed to have a weakening effect on the collagen and connective tissue of the veins, and while the hormone may not have a direct effect on the development of varicose veins, estrogen can increase a woman’s risk for developing blood clots and life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. Women who have a family history of varicose veins should carefully consider this when choosing a birth control method, and discuss the pros and cons with their physician before taking any oral contraceptives.

Fortunately, varicose veins that have developed during pregnancy are for the most part temporary. Most women will not require any medical attention for these varicose veins and will start to see an improvement within the first three months after delivery. Your physician may prescribe compression stockings and recommend self-care at home; eating a balanced diet, losing weight, staying active, and elevating the legs are just a few of the actions you can take daily in order to improve your symptoms or prevent future varicose or spider veins from forming. Pregnancy and hormones affect each woman differently, so speak with your physician about any concerns that you may have and ensure the health of your veins long after pregnancy is over.

If you are experiencing any of symptoms related to Varicose Veins, seeing a physician that specializes in vein disorders could be the most important step you take towards alleviating your symptoms. No one should have to suffer through daily and nightly discomfort, and treatments are available through most insurance policies.

Dr. Magnant of Vein Specialists is always available for a consultation and diagnosis.  Get started today by calling 239-694-VEIN or by submitting an online vein screening at: www.eveinscreening.com