It’s well known that spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are more common in women than men. Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear just under the skin, looking like thin red, blue, or purple lines. They can look like spider webs or tree branches and are most commonly found on the legs. They can also appear on the torso, upper body, and face.
In general, spider veins are defined as being less than 4mm in diameter. They usually don’t cause symptoms, and if they do, the symptoms are minimal, such as itching or burning, but usually just a cosmetic issue.
Spider veins can be caused by:
- Genetics: Family history plays a big role.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can increase the risk.
- Age: As we age, skin loses elasticity, and veins become more visible.
- Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Jobs or lifestyles that require long periods of sitting or standing can put pressure on the veins in the legs.
- Obesity: Excess weight can strain the vascular system and cause spider veins.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can damage skin and cause spider veins to appear, especially on the face.
- Previous Vein Issues: Deep vein thrombosis or previous vein surgeries can cause spider veins.
- Injury: Trauma to the skin can make veins more visible.
- Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and a low-fiber diet can also cause vein problems.
Hormonal Changes in Women
The main difference in the risk of getting spider veins is the hormonal changes women go through. These changes happen during pregnancy, onset of menstruation and menopause and increases the risk of spider veins during these times.
Menstruation
Menstruation can cause spider veins due to hormonal fluctuations. During the menstrual cycle, especially during the premenstrual phase, estrogen and progesterone levels rise. These hormones can cause blood vessels to relax and dilate, making veins more visible. Water retention and increased blood volume during this time can also make spider veins more prominent.
For some, the discomfort of spider veins can also get worse during menstruation.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can increase the risk of spider veins for several reasons: The hormonal changes of pregnancy. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause blood vessels to relax and can lead to increased blood flow and dilation of veins.
There is also increased blood volume during pregnancy. Blood volume increases to support the growing fetus and can put extra pressure on the veins, especially in the legs. Women gain significant weight during pregnancy. The extra weight gained during pregnancy can put pressure on the veins, especially in the lower body, and can cause spider veins to form.
There is often more sitting or standing during pregnancy. Many pregnant women find themselves in situations that require long periods of sitting or standing, which can impede blood flow and cause vein problems.
Menopause
Menopause can also cause spider veins to develop and become more visible due to the hormonal changes that happen during this phase. Here’s how menopause can be linked to spider veins. There are different hormonal fluctuations during menopause.
The decline of estrogen during menopause can affect blood vessel elasticity and function and can cause vein dilation. This can then cause skin changes. As estrogen levels drop, skin can lose elasticity and thickness and veins can become more visible. Also, similar to pregnancy, women experience weight changes. Many women gain weight during menopause and this can put pressure on the veins and cause spider veins to form.
There is also poor circulation during this time. Low hormone levels can cause circulation problems and make spider veins develop.
The way to prevent spider veins is through lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight control. However, many factors, such as genetics and hormonal changes, are inevitable.
When to See Us
If you have asymptomatic or symptomatic visible veins, come visit us at the Metropolitan Vein Center for an assessment. We will determine the type and cause and offer solutions to make you look and feel better.