Menstruation is associated with lots of well-known side effects, like cramps, bloating, and breast tenderness. What many women don’t know, though, is that their periods can also cause an increase in varicose vein symptoms.
As a leading varicose vein treatment provider in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, helps women relieve uncomfortable varicose vein symptoms during their periods and throughout the month. Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group Inc. explain how your period and its associated changes could be exacerbating your painful varicose veins.
Most people know varicose veins are purplish, twisted, and distended, but fewer understand their causes. It all begins with tiny valves located inside your veins. These valves play a critical role in circulation, opening and closing rapidly to push blood from your extremities toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood backs up, causing veins to bulge and become more visible.
Some varicose veins are simply unattractive, especially in their early stages. As they progress, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, like burning, itching, leg cramps, or persistent feelings of heaviness or fatigue in your limbs.
Varicose veins are often associated with a more complex condition called chronic venous insufficiency, a circulation disorder that can lead to major health issues. These abnormalities need to be medically evaluated to rule out underlying problems and learn about treatment options to improve circulation and vein health.
That’s why varicose veins form. But why do veins look and feel worse during your period? The answer this time lies in your hormones.
Your menstrual cycle follows the natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone, the so-called “female” sex hormones. Interestingly, these hormones also play a role in blood vessel health and function, helping vein walls relax to accommodate increased blood flow.
As hormone levels climb during your periods, though, these effects become more pronounced, increasing pressure inside your veins and worsening varicose vein symptoms. These changes explain why varicose veins can look and feel worse during menstruation, even when they cause no problems during the rest of the month.
Bloating is another relatively common “side effect” of menstruation. It occurs when your body retains more fluid than normal. Fluid retention also puts more pressure on your veins, making them more visible and painful.
While varicose vein symptoms can definitely worsen during your periods, treatment can help. Dr. Lewis and his team offer a variety of state-of-the-art, time-tested therapies for varicose veins to relieve symptoms and improve overall circulation.
Whether they’re uncomfortable or not, varicose veins should never be ignored. To learn about treatments that can help get rid of varicose veins and relieve your symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
