Why Menopause
Increases
Your Risk of
Varicose Veins
MENOPAUSE
+
VARICOSE
VEINS
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
Menopause dramatically reduces the amount of
estrogen and progesterone produced in the ovaries.
Because of that, women over 50 are at a higher risk
of developing varicose veins.
Estrogen and progesterone contribute significantly to
the health of women’s capillaries and veins. In
addition to supporting vein valve functioning, these
hormones also enhance blood flow.
Degradation of collagen fibers and smooth muscle
relaxation caused by the loss of progesterone and
estrogen promotes varicose veins. But it also causes
two other vein diseases called venous insufficiency
and venous thrombosis.
Veins and capillaries have cell receptors for both
estrogen and progesterone. Studies show that the
veins of menopausal women actually create more
receptors in an attempt to “find” female hormones
essential for their normal functioning.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
VEIN VALVE DISORDER
AND MENOPAUSE
Varicose veins emerge when valves controlling blood
flow through veins don’t open properly. Valve
dysfunction causes blood to pool in veins. Over time
this will eventually result in visibly bulging, bluish
veins.
While pregnancy or taking birth control pills may
cause weakening of valves and temporary
development of certain vein conditions, menopause
will produce permanent varicose veins as ovaries drop
production of estrogen and progesterone.
Varicose veins are typically asymptomatic and don’t
present a health risk. In some cases, people
experience their legs feeling heavy or achy. The
swelling of the ankles and feet often accompanies
this vein condition. More rarely, varicose veins
produce burning sensations and itching around
bulging veins.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
Many women seeking help for varicose veins want to
improve their appearance. More common than the
uncomfortable symptoms that present, is the desire to
eliminate and prevent.
There are a few minimally invasive procedures to
improve the appearance of varicose veins on your
legs. They do not require hospital stays or lengthy
downtimes. Choosing the right treatment should be
discussed with a doctor after a complete examination.
Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatments:
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Endovenous Laser Treatment
(EVLT)
Ultrasound-Guided
Sclerotherapy
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
CAN HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
(HRT) REVERSE DEVELOPMENT OF
VARICOSE VEINS?
HRT may reduce the number of varicose veins
that emerge during and after menopause.
Although, hormone replacement cannot
completely prevent veins from appearing.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a good way
to keep your veins working properly. It is a
viable treatment to consider after varicose
veins are eliminated.
In addition to HRT, many women find that being
a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and
having an active lifestyle reduces the number
of varicose veins that appear. Sitting or
standing for too long in one position can also
affect blood flow and veins.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT
IN RANDOLPH, NJ
-Ambulatory Phlebectomy
If you have large or visible veins above the skin’s
surface, an ambulatory phlebectomy can help. This
treatment is usually performed in conjunction with
another therapy. It is minimally invasive. Patients can
get back to their daily routine a few hours after the
procedure.
It is typical to wear compression stockings for several
weeks after this procedure. They help reduce
discomfort and promote healing of treated areas.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT
IN RANDOLPH, NJ
-Endovenous Laser Treatment
(EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELVT) is an outpatient
procedure that uses a laser to remove varicose veins.
The heat emitted by the laser fiber effectively
damages and shrinks varicose veins until they are
absorbed by the body.
Once veins shrink enough to stop functioning, your
circulatory system simply reroutes blood to nearby
veins. Most patients see results from EVLT at the
initial procedure.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT
IN RANDOLPH, NJ
-Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
This form of therapy is often used to treat reticular
veins and certain varicose veins. A sclerosing agent is
injected into the vein to cause it to collapse and
disappear. Ultrasound is used to guide the vein
specialist to areas that are difficult to see from the
surface.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy can be done with
other forms of treatment for the best possible results.
Sodium chloride should never be used as a sclerosing
agent as it causes severe pain.
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER
Learn more about our varicose vein treatment options
by calling New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center
today.
CONTACT US
862-251-711 1
WWW.NJVVC.COM
Schedule Your Free Vein Screening
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@TheNewJerseyVeinandVascularCenter
THE NEW JERSEY VEIN AND VASCULAR CENTER