Men and Women – What’s the VEIN Difference?

By Ron E Lev MD – Follow me on +

When it comes to venous conditions, there appears to be a wide gap between men and women. Women are more likely to develop visible varicose veins and more apt to seek medical attention for those unsightly bulging blue lines. Men may also develop varicose veins, but they are typically less bothersome for men than women. Why is there a “VEIN” difference between men and women?

What the Numbers Show

There isn’t as much of a difference in the prevalence of varicose veins between men and women as one might think. Stanford Hospital and Clinics states that approximately half of all adults will be affected by venous disease. Of that total, around 55 percent will be women and 45 percent are men. Within that population, around 25 percent of women will develop visible varicose veins, and approximately 10 to 15 percent of men will do so.

Despite these statistics, the large majority of patients seen in vein clinics today are women. One reason is that women may be more likely to seek treatment for varicose veins while they are still in the early stages. Men may be more apt to wait on treatment until they experience uncomfortable symptoms. Unfortunately, the waiting game can also mean the venous problem may be more difficult to treat by the time a man makes it to the doctor’s office.

The Hormone Factor

Women’s hormones may also play a role in the “VEIN” difference. A 2009 study on varicose veins during pregnancy found that levels of progesterone in the woman’s bloodstream may pose a significant factor in the development of visible varicose veins. Since women have much more progesterone in their bodies than men, it logically leads to the conclusion that women would have more visible varicose veins. This is particularly true for women who have been through more than one pregnancy, when progesterone levels are even higher.

Women are also more likely to be concerned about varicose veins as a cosmetic issue. Men do not tend to show their legs as often as women and when they do, legs are often camouflaged by hair. Women are more likely to want to eliminate the appearance of varicose and spider veins so they are more comfortable sporting skirts and shorts that show off their legs.

Although women more frequently seek treatment for varicose veins, the procedures that work for women are equally effective for men. To learn more about options in varicose vein treatment for both men and women, contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan today.

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