Posted on 14th April, 2023 at 1:44:45 AM
No one knows the exact cause of spider and varicose veins, but there are several factors that cause a person to be more likely to develop them.
Heredity, or being born with weak vein valves, is the greatest factor. Hormones also play a role.
The hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as taking estrogen, progesterone, and birth control pills can cause a woman to develop varicose veins or spider veins.
During pregnancy, besides the increases in hormone levels, there also is a great increase in the volume of blood in the body that can cause veins to enlarge. The enlarged uterus also puts more pressure on the veins. (Within 3 months after delivery, varicose veins usually improve. However, more abnormal veins are likely to develop and remain after additional pregnancies.)
Other factors that weaken vein valves and that may cause varicose or spider veins to include aging, obesity, leg injury, and prolonged standing, such as for long hours on the job
In women, the presence of varicose veins on the legs often signifies a more extensive health problem – pelvic congestion syndrome.
Pelvic congestion syndrome is caused by poorly functioning veins in the ovaries and pelvic region, which can manifest as varicosities in the abdomen, buttocks, vulva, and legs. Women that suffer from a generalized achiness in their pelvic area, especially when standing, lifting, or after sexual intercourse, may suffer from this condition.
Spider veins, unlike varicose veins, most often do not occur in response to increased pressure except for the pressure created by nearby varicosities themselves. They often arise from the presence of the female hormone estrogen which is most likely why these spider veins are seen more commonly in females. Women also are known to have more development of spider veins when their body estrogen levels are elevated such as when they are pregnant when taking oral contraceptives, and obviously when on estrogen replacement therapy.
