Risk factors
Advanced age and family history
The risk of developing venous disorders increases with age as the cells in the vascular system are aging as well. Age-related changes of venous walls and valves can lead to a decline in valve function. If one of your family members suffers from venous disease, you have a higher risk of becoming affected at some point in your life due to genetic predisposition. This is because specific genetic variations that can be inherited enhance the likelihood of a person to develop chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins.
Gender and hormonal change
Women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins than men. The sex hormone progesterone, an endogenous steroid, is the main active ingredient in contraceptive medication and naturally involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It leads to a loss of venous wall tonicity (progesterone causes the vein walls to dilate).
Furthermore, the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases by taking contraceptive medication and during pregnancy.
Pregnancy enhances the risk of thrombosis four-fold to five-fold. One reason for this increased risk is hypercoagulability, which has most probably evolved to protect women against the bleeding challenges associated with childbirth and miscarriage. The risk continues after birth until the woman’s hormonal levels return to their pre-pregnancy state. The risk is at its highest in the days and weeks after birth.
Research studies show a strong association between a history of pregnancy and varicose veins. Consequently, many mothers-to-be experience common symptoms such as heavy, tired, aching legs, and swollen feet and ankles. 30 percent of women pregnant for the first time and 55 percent of women who have had two or more full-term pregnancies develop varicose veins, according to a report by «Swiss Medical Weekly».
In postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency, venous pain seems to be a common symptom. This is due to hormonal fluctuations and due to the fact that pain perception is generally increased during menopause.
Compression wear helps
Compression wear is a preventive measure to help improve overall circulation. If you have a feeling of pain, heaviness, or swelling in the affected leg, compression wear can help you to relieve the symptoms.
Compression wear helps against morning sickness
Did you know that compression hosiery also helps against morning sickness? A recent study has shown that compression stockings alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms during early pregnancy. Order our Mendoza one-pager by e-mail for more information!