Varicose Veins and Menopause: Everything You Wanted To Know

Menopause is a natural process that all women experience as they get older. When a woman’s menstrual periods stop for good, she enters a stage of life known as menopause. It occurs between the ages of 35 and 55. Menopause causes hormonal changes in the body, which cause changes in sleep patterns, hair fall, or excess body hair growth. Menopause has an impact on an individual’s overall health. Varicose veins during menopause are a common issue for many women. 

Estrogen and progesterone benefit veins, but as women approach menopause, their ovaries stop producing hormones like estrogen. Varicose veins develop when the valves that regulate blood flow through veins fail to open adequately.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can affect anyone and are quite common, especially in women and older people. It is estimated that at least 25% of adults have varicose veins. This occurs when your veins become dilated, enlarged, or overfilled due to poor circulation. These veins are usually blue, purple, or red. They are swollen and raised near the skin’s surface and are more likely to appear in the lower extremities. Most people who have these veins experience significant pain and discomfort. 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins form when our veins fail to function correctly. Every vein has a one-way valve system that prevents blood from flowing backward and allows it to flow upwards toward the heart. When the valves wear out or are damaged, blood begins to pool inside the veins rather than pump toward the heart. This causes the vein to swell. Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs because they are the furthest away from the heart. 

Gravity makes it more difficult for blood to flow upward naturally. Many people mistake spider veins for varicose veins. Spider or varicose veins stem from the same problem but are different, and both are visible veins that can appear on the legs. 

These are the most common causes of varicose veins: 

• Age/Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Family history of venous disease
• Long periods of standing or sitting
• Obesity

What are the Symptoms Of Varicose Veins During Menopause?

Hormones begin to fluctuate during menopause, sometimes increasing and sometimes decreasing. The hormones estrogen and progesterone have the ability to dilate veins. These hormonal fluctuations in women make them far more likely than men to develop varicose veins. Menopause symptoms include pain, heaviness, skin problems, and blood clots. And varicose veins can also cause blood clots, skin problems, leg cramps, itchiness, and other symptoms. 

What are the Risk Factors During Menopause?

Varicose veins become more common as hormone levels drop during menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can last for years. 

During these phases, the rise and subsequent fall in estrogen and progesterone can cause vein walls to thicken and become less flexible. There are also effects along the valves that return blood flow to the heart. These thickened areas prevent the valves from closing and allow blood to flow freely in both directions. Blood also pools around the valves, making them swollen and knotty. Thickened vein walls restrict blood flow, resulting in a blockage.

Menopause slows the metabolism, which may contribute to weight gain in women. 

Obesity strains the arteries and blood vessels throughout the body. Moreover, weight gain may be another factor in developing varicose veins. As a result of the increased pressure on the veins and the poor pumping of blood to the heart, varicose veins frequently appear on the legs. 

Treatments

While varicose veins frequently necessitate treatment by a vein specialist, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve the pain and discomfort.

• Keep Hydrated: Keeping yourself hydrated can help with various medical conditions. Drinking plenty of water promotes healthy blood circulation throughout the body. It will help reduce the frequency and severity of your varicose vein pain. 
• Maintain Leg Elevation: Elevating your legs above your heart relieves varicose vein pain. Elevating your legs promotes proper blood flow from your lower extremities to your heart. It also improves the efficiency of the venous valves. You can also help reduce swelling by elevating your legs for 15-minute increments each day.
• Leg Stretches: Regularly stretching your legs muscles can help relieve some of the pain induced by varicose veins.
• Working Your Calves: Giving your calf muscles a workout, even briefly throughout the day, can significantly reduce leg pain. Try flexing your feet while sitting. Also, if you stand for most of the day at work, take plenty of breaks to sit down. 
• Immerse Legs in Cold Water: Soaking your legs in cold water is an excellent way to relieve the heaviness associated with varicose veins. The water’s cold temperature causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing pain.
• Pay Attention to What You Wear: High-heeled shoes can cause pain if you have varicose veins. Wear low-heeled shoes instead if your venous disorder is causing you pain. Wearing tight clothes can also restrict blood flow resulting in pain. 

Winding Up

Menopause can be difficult for many women. Varicose veins might be another issue that makes it challenging. Include daily exercise and weight management to help reduce varicose veins during menopause.