How Hormones Influence Varicose Veins: Why Women Are More at Risk

Varicose veins are a common condition affecting millions of adults, but they are significantly more prevalent in women. This disparity is not a coincidence; it is primarily influenced by hormonal fluctuations unique to the female body. 

At Nu Vela Laser and Vein Center, Dr. Raffi Dishakjian specializes in advanced varicose veins treatment in Los Angeles, addressing the symptoms and the underlying causes of venous disease.

Understanding Varicose Veins and Their Causes

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most often appear in the legs. They form when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken or fail. Healthy valves push blood back toward the heart, but when they’re damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins. This buildup of blood, known as venous insufficiency, increases pressure, causing the veins to stretch, swell, and become visible.

While genetics, age, and a lifestyle involving prolonged standing are well-known risk factors, the primary hormonal connection explains why women are at a much higher risk.

The Hormonal Connection: Why Women Are More Susceptible

Female hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a central role in vein health. These hormones, which fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, directly impact the structure and function of vein walls and valves.

Estrogen and Vein Wall Elasticity

Estrogen is known to relax and soften the connective tissue in the walls of the veins. This makes the veins more flexible and distensible, or prone to stretching. While this elasticity is beneficial for functions like childbirth, a consistent relaxing effect can weaken the vein walls over time, making them less able to withstand blood pressure and more susceptible to valve failure.

Progesterone and Vein Dilation

Progesterone has a potent vasodilating effect, meaning it causes blood vessels to widen. High levels of progesterone can lead to increased pooling of blood in the legs. This, combined with estrogen’s wall-softening effect, creates a high-risk environment for developing varicose veins.

Key Hormonal Triggers for Varicose Veins in Women

Specific life stages and medical choices can create significant hormonal shifts that trigger or worsen varicose veins in women.

Pregnancy Varicose Veins and Increased Blood Volume

Pregnancy is one of the most common triggers for varicose veins. During this time, the body experiences a “perfect storm” for vein issues:

• Hormone Surge: Progesterone levels surge, leading to significant vein dilation.
• Blood Volume: A woman’s blood volume can increase by up to 20% to support the growing baby, placing a massive extra load on the circulatory system.
• Physical Pressure: The expanding uterus puts direct physical pressure on the large pelvic veins, impeding blood flow from the legs back to the heart.

Menopause and Venous Changes

Hormonal changes during menopause can also affect vein health. As estrogen levels decline, vein walls can become less flexible and more prone to damage. For many women, venous issues that began during pregnancy may become more pronounced during this life stage.

Hormonal Birth Control and Vein Health

Hormone-based medications, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), influence the body’s natural hormone levels. For some women, particularly those with a genetic predisposition for vein disease, the estrogen and progestin in these medications can affect estrogen-dependent vein health and contribute to the development of varicose veins.

Signs of Hormone-Related Vein Issues

The symptoms of varicose veins extend beyond their cosmetic appearance. If you are experiencing hormonal fluctuations and notice any of the following, it may be time to consult a specialist:

• Aching, heavy, or throbbing pain in the legs
• Swelling in the ankles and feet, especially at the end of the day
• Muscle cramping or restlessness in the legs at night
• Itching or skin discoloration around the affected veins
• Visible, bulging blue or purple veins

Professional Treatment for Varicose Veins in Los Angeles

Preventive measures can help manage symptoms, but cannot repair failed valve structures. Modern varicose vein removal is no longer the invasive surgery it once was. At Nu Vela, Dr. Raffi Dishakjian offers minimally invasive solutions to close off and eliminate damaged veins.

Options like varicose veins laser treatment (Endovenous Laser Therapy or EVLT) and sclerotherapy are performed in-office, require minimal downtime, and provide lasting relief. These procedures redirect blood flow to healthier veins, resolving both the cosmetic appearance and the painful physical symptoms.

Schedule Your Vein Consultation

You do not have to live with the pain or appearance of varicose veins in Los Angeles. Contact Nu Vela Laser and Vein Center today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dishakjian and learn about the right varicose vein therapy for you.