There’s no denying the beauty, miraculousness, and strength of a woman’s body. Strength that is arguably unparalleled. But even great strength can take its toll.
Local Vascular Surgeon, Ulises Baltazar, says, “Unfortunately, women in general are predisposed to varicose veins. Statistics tell us that up to 50% of American women may be affected at some point in their lives. That’s four times as many women than men! And if you are one of those women, a whole host of factors–many just natural aspects of womanhood—can lead to their appearance.”
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“Pregnancy and menopause,” says Dr. Baltazar, “both cause dramatic changes in hormone levels…and changes in hormones can lead to varicose veins. Strain to the abdomen and an increased volume of blood, both natural parts of being pregnant, cause your veins to enlarge and contribute to a potential vein problem. Constipation, a common occurrence during pregnancy, is also a known contributor to varicose veins. And did you know hemorrhoids—extremely common during pregnancy–are actually varicose veins? The good news is varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within three months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, these abnormal veins are more likely to enlarge further and possibly remain that way.”
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Of course, pregnancy isn’t the only reason many women may develop varicose veins. Dr. Baltazar says, “The number one cause of varicose veins is heredity. If you have one family member with a history of varicose veins, your risk of developing them can be 25 to 30 percent…and if two family members had them, your risk rises. Obesity and careers that require long periods of standing are also common contributors.”
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You may be thinking, ‘These purple, bulging veins may be ugly, but they’re nothing to worry about.” You could be dangerously wrong. “Varicose veins are a health risk and a red flag,” says Dr. Baltazar. “Varicose veins indicate an increased chance for blood clots in the superficial system (thrombophlebitis) and clots in the deep system or deep venous thrombosis “DVT”, which are potentially lethal. Veins are my specialty and my only focus…because a timely exam and appropriate treatment really could save your life!”
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Ulises Baltazar MD, RVT, FACS
now affiliated with the renowned Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates
281-240-8400
16605 Southwest Freeway Ste 505
(in the Methodist Professional Building 3)