What Causes Varicose Veins In Women?

Both men and women get varicose veins, but they are more common in women.

Varicose veins are twisted and enlarged and any vein that is close to the skin's surface can become varicose. They are most common in the legs because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.

According to Vincent J. Noori, M.D., RPVI, a Board Certified vascular surgeon at The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center, there are many risk factors.

"Pregnancy, for example is a leading cause of varicose veins, said Dr. Noori. They can occur as you get older. Weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to people developing varicose veins. I've seen a lot of people during the past year with leg problems because they are now working from home due to COVID-19 and as a result are more sedentary.

Treatment options for varicose veins include:

• Wearing compression stockings or socks
• Leg elevation
• Weight loss and exercise
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time

If those treatments do not help, surgical options may be recommended.

View Dr. Noori’s interview about varicose veins.