Vein diseases in women: causes, symptoms, treatment

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins are widespread diseases: according to statistics, in developed countries every third person suffers from them. A special risk group includes the fair sex, in which this pathology causes physical and psychological discomfort. In this article we will look at why vascular diseases occur in women, what are their signs and symptoms, what they should do to treat and prevent this disease.

Varicose veins: causes of varicose veins in women

According to statistics, men are less likely to suffer from varicose veins than women, who have vascular disease 1. 5 times more likely. What is the reason for the gender characteristic of this pathology?

• Characteristics of the hormonal background. During a woman's menstrual cycle, a woman's hormonal background fluctuates, and during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and menopause, these changes become even more significant. The ratio of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) has a direct effect on the condition of the vascular walls and blood viscosity.
• Hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy and the use of combined oral contraceptives lead to changes in hormone levels, thus causing a change in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
• She wears high heels and tight pants. Uncomfortable shoes, tight underwear and jeans - all of these cause a violation of blood flow to the lower extremities and small pelvis, leading to the development of varicose veins.

In addition to these exclusively women, conditions for the development of pathology, varicose veins in women can be caused by the following factors:

• Genetically predisposed. According to statistics, there is a tendency for varicose veins in 60% of cases if one of the parents suffers from this pathology.
• Significant overweight. Obesity is one of the factors in the onset of varicose veins, as the lower extremities experience increased pressure.
• Excessive stress on the legs. Whether you are a jogging, jumping or weightlifting professional, there are favorable conditions for the development of vein problems.

• Circulatory disorder caused by a constant posture. If you spend most of the day sitting or standing, this is a serious condition for developing venous disease.
• Unbalanced diet. A diet low in fiber, vitamins and minerals leads to disorders that affect blood vessel walls and blood composition. In addition, an unbalanced diet can cause constipation, which can also lead to changes in the veins - especially small pelvic varicose veins.
• Diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Endocrine disorders cause changes in the hormonal background, which, in turn, are prerequisites for the development of varicose veins. Cardiovascular pathologies (especially - hypertension) also cause the development of problems with the veins.

Varicose veins of the pelvis in women Abnormal dilation of the pelvic vessels is a common problem faced by 15-25% of women of reproductive age. This disease is often perceived as an infectious and inflammatory process located in the reproductive organs of the female urinary system. In relation to the misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment is prescribed and the patient is not relieved. Therefore, the problem of diagnosis and adequate treatment of pelvic varicose veins is an urgent problem of modern phlebology and gynecology.

The blood supply to the pelvic organs is due to the veins of the uterus and ovaries, as well as to the venous plexuses - uterus, atrioventricular, ultraviolet, rectal plexus, etc. It is usually caused by a blood clot, which can be caused by the following:

• a sedentary lifestyle
• previous gynecological diseases?
• hormonal imbalance (especially high estrogen levels);
• history of pregnancy and childbirth?
• congenital and acquired connective tissue disorders (i. e. , lack of collagen).

Expert opinion The main symptom of this venous disease in women is the presence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It is represented by pain in the lower abdomen, which is transmitted to the area of ​​the pubic, sacrum and perineum.

The peak of pain usually occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle, which is complemented by severe premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Psychosomatic disorders can be included in these symptoms.

As mentioned above, the diagnosis of the pathology is complicated by the fact that the symptoms of this venous disease in women can be misinterpreted as pure signs of gynecological problems. Therefore, to make the correct diagnosis, it will be necessary to perform transvaginal ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, venography and, in some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy.

Both conservative and surgical approaches are used to treat varicose veins in the small pelvis.

In the first case, the goal of treatment is to increase the tone of the venous walls, to normalize the nature of blood flow and blood viscosity. To solve these problems, patients are prescribed sessions of ventonics, hierotherapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy, as well as exercise therapy exercises. If conservative treatment for this pelvic disease is ineffective, surgery is performed - sclerotherapy or venous embolism in pregnant women.

Vein problems in pregnant women

Varicose veins are a problem for most pregnant women. This is due to the changes that occur in the body of the expectant mother during pregnancy. During this period, there is a complete restructuring of the hormonal background, which is directly related to the condition of the blood vessels. For example, the development of estrogen leads to changes in the structure of the muscular layer of the venous walls and vasodilation.

In addition to the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and childbirth, pregnancy and childbirth can cause venous disease in pregnant women for other reasons. First of all, it is an increase in body weight and at the same time an increase in the load on the lower extremities, as well as excessive stress that a woman experiences at work during work.

During pregnancy, there is an increase in the total volume of circulating blood, which occurs due to the increase in plasma and erythrocyte content.

Vein disease in women: symptoms and signs

Depending on the stage of development, varicose veins in the legs manifest in different ways:

• The initial stage of the pathological process is easy to miss, as its manifestations are usually minimal. Small cobwebs appear in the legs, until the evening there is a slight sensation of discomfort, by the end of the day there may be a slight swelling. Even if the described clinical picture does not cause much concern, as soon as you experience these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
• If the disease is not detected early and treatment is not started in time, vein problems in women worsen. The venous network becomes more and more intense, the characteristic nodules and cords are clearly visible under the skin, the swelling and a feeling of fullness in the lower extremities causes severe discomfort.
If the disease has not been treated or has been treated ineffectively, it is neglected. The affected veins stand out strongly under the skin, there is constant swelling, cramps appear at night, the skin in the lower leg area may change color and be covered with food ulcers.

Vein diseases in women: treatment

There are two basic approaches to solving this problem: conservative and surgical. The first of these is commonly used in the early stages of pathology development, while the second is justified in combating the later stages of the disease.

Conservative treatment includes medication, use of external products, participation in physiotherapy sessions, use of compression stockings, correction of physical activity, daily routine, diet and consumption pattern. In addition, you can use additional treatments to fight varicose veins - for example, Normaven® Foot Cream. Regular application to the lower extremities helps to get rid of swelling, fatigue, heaviness and discomfort in the legs, the disappearance of night cramps and reduce the severity of the vascular pattern.

Thanks to its natural composition, the cream can also be used during pregnancy.

Surgery aims at complete or partial removal of varicose veins. Modern vascular surgery can offer the following types of surgery:

• Combined phlebotomy.
• Laser coagulation.
• Coagulation RF.
• Sclerotherapy.

Regarding the treatment of venous diseases in women aged 50-60 years and in elderly patients, surgery is usually not performed, as it is stressful for the body.