Menstrual Cycles and Varicose Veins: Is There A Connection?
Varicose veins are bluish and knotted veins that develop on the surface of the skin, mostly on the patient’s legs and feet. After years of analysis, researchers found that the reflux of the saphenous veins and coiling with other veins generally causes varicose veins. Even though on the surface level it may only be seen as a cosmetic problem due to the bulging of the veins, it is proven to lead to much more serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis.
The condition is caused when the valves in the vein become disfigured, and unable to stop the backflow of blood. The deformation of the valves allows blood to flow in a backward direction which is otherwise unusual. It causes pools of blood to gather, resulting in the enlargement of veins. The condition can cause discomfort or even serious pain in some cases.
Relationship between varicose veins and the menstrual cycle:
It has been well studied and supported by statistical information that women are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins. This higher percentage of women being affected is found to be related to the hormone progesterone. Even though progesterone is released in men as well as women, it is found that women produce much higher levels of this hormone.
Further research on the topic revealed that many women feel that their varicose veins hurt more right before their period starts. In addition to the menstrual cycle, studies found that pregnant women with varicose veins produced a much higher level of progesterone than it would be produced otherwise. Experiment on a small group of women found that the symptoms of varicose veins disappear or reduce by great intensity once the period stops its flow. Thus, after thorough analysis and research work, it is concluded that there is a clear connection between the menstrual cycle and varicose veins.
Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a research-based experiment where they gathered five women and studied the symptoms of varicose veins on each. In the initial stage, women’s saphenous veins were checked in diameter and were found to be within the regular range of its diameter. However, the same women, when tested prior to their period, generated different results.
Four out of five women showed a 73% increase in the size of the saphenous vein. Another study published in Phlebology, took a group of women, ranging in age from 19 to 46 suffering from varicose veins. It was found that, on average, most of the women complained an increased swelling and pain in the legs had occurred.
As mentioned above, it was found after thorough research that the levels of progesterone in an individual are considered to impact the condition highly. During a menstrual cycle, when a woman ovulates, the progesterone levels are at a peak. This is to ensure that the uterine lining remains intact in case of pregnancy. But it was during this phase that researchers found the diameter of the Saphenous veins to increase immensely. And it is during this stage of menstruation that women complained about their varicose veins symptoms worsening.
Treatment for Varicose Veins:
1. Compression stockings
While the science of it all may seem especially concerning, varicose veins can be treated with simple methods. These include wearing compression stockings during phases of the menstrual cycle when you feel the symptoms flaring up.
These stockings stretch all the way up to your thigh, in process tightening the calves. This tightening prevents the backflow of blood and gives you a firm posture.
2. Exercise
Exercise targeted for legs or calves can be performed so that blood doesn’t gather in a pool, and is constantly being pumped around. In addition to that, exercise has also been found to cause relief in women experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in the legs.
3. Non-invasive surgery
If you find that these methods are no longer working for you or causing you a hassle, you may explore non-invasive surgical therapies. These therapy techniques guarantee to rid you of varicose veins once and for all.
Vein ablation is an example of such a minimally invasive method. The doctors enter a catheter into the disfigured vein and using heat in the form of laser or radiofrequency energy, shut the vein permanently. If that sounds frightening, you may opt for a newer method, called VenaSeal, which uses surgical glue to shut the veins close instead of heat.
If you still find yourself doubtful regarding surgical methods, you can make an appointment with a consultant and design a lifestyle change that will guarantee to reduce the symptoms of the condition by great measures.
4. Diet
Some foods which contain flavonoids can improve the circulation of blood which reduces the chances of blood pooling in the veins. They also relax blood vessels. Flavonoid-rich foods include:
- Vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli.
- Fruits such as citrus fruits, grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries
- Cocoa
- Garlic
Preventive measures
There are many ways to resolve this medical issue, but precaution is the best thing one can do. Better safe than sorry!
You can avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Although they are fashionable and give petite girls the confidence boost they like, they’re not the best for you veins. Wearing a heel that is more than 1.5 inches high every day can prevent the calf muscle from pumping blood out of the leg.
Another fashion-related factor that you should avoid are girdles and knee-high nylons or socks as they can block the movement of the leg. This makes the vein wall expand as a way of moving around the barrier, which actually causes the vein to loosen up. Hence, blood starts to pool around.
Furthermore, weight can also affect the chances of varicose veins. Obesity can play a big part in the development of varicose veins. If obesity does seem to be the cause for one’s varicose veins, then weight loss should be considered. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on veins and help ease swelling and discomfort.
