Vascular diseases in women: causes, symptoms, treatment

Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins are common diseases: according to statistics, every third person in developed countries suffers from them. A special risk group includes fair sex, where this pathology causes both physical and psychological distress. In this article, we will examine why vascular diseases occur in women, what are the signs and symptoms, and what to do to treat and prevent this disease.

Varicose veins: causes of varicose veins in women

According to statistics, men suffer from varicose veins less than women, who have 1. 5 times more vascular diseases. What is the cause of the sexual nature of this pathology?

• Hormonal background characteristics. During the menstrual cycle, a woman's hormonal background fluctuates, and these changes are even more important during pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and menopause. The ratio of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) has a direct effect on the condition of blood vessel walls and blood viscosity.
• Hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy and the use of combined oral contraceptives cause changes in hormonal levels, leading to changes in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the body.
• Wear high heels and skinny pants. Uncomfortable shoes, tight underwear and jeans - all this leads to disruption of blood flow in the lower extremities and small pelvis, which leads to the development of varicose veins.

In addition, only women, the preconditions for the development of pathology, varicose veins in women can be triggered by the following factors:

• Genetically determined tendency. According to statistics, if one of the parents suffers from this pathology, the tendency to varicose veins is observed in 60%.
• Significantly overweight. Obesity is one of the factors in the onset of varicose veins because the pressure in the lower extremities increases.
• Excessive stress on the legs. Whether you are a professional runner, or a jumping or powerlifting specialist, there are favorable conditions for the development of vascular problems.

• Circulatory disorders caused by constant posture. If you spend most of the day sitting or standing, it is a serious condition for the development of venous diseases.
• Unbalanced diet. A poor diet with fiber, vitamins and trace elements causes disorders that affect the walls of blood vessels and blood composition. In addition, an unbalanced diet can cause constipation, which can lead to changes in the arteries - especially the pelvic varicose veins.
• Diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Endocrine diseases cause changes in the hormonal background, which is a prerequisite for the development of varicose veins. Cardiovascular pathologies (especially hypertension) cause vascular problems.

Varicose veins of the small pelvis in women

Pathological dilation of the pelvic vessels is a common problem faced by 15-25% of women of reproductive age. The disease is often confused with localized infectious and inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs of the female genitourinary system. Inappropriate treatment is prescribed due to misdiagnosis and the patient is not given comfort. As a result, the problem of diagnosis and adequate therapy of pelvic varicose veins is an urgent problem of modern phlebology and gynecology.

Blood supply to the pelvic organs is carried out by the uterine and ovarian vessels, as well as venous plexuses - uterovaginal, vesicovaginal, uviform, rectal plexus, etc. is related to. It is usually caused by a blood clot that can cause:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• previous gynecological diseases;
• hormonal imbalance (especially high estrogen levels);
• pregnancy and birth history;
• Congenital and acquired diseases of connective tissue (ie collagen deficiency).

Expert opinion The main symptom of this venous disease in women is the presence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen that spreads to the pubis, sacrum and perineum.

The peak of pain usually occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle and is accompanied by severe premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Psychosomatic disorders may be associated with these symptoms.

As mentioned above, the diagnosis of pathology in women is complicated by the fact that the symptoms of this venous disease can be mistaken for purely gynecological problems. For this reason, transvaginal ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, phlebography and, in some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy are required to make a correct diagnosis.

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

In the first case, the purpose of therapy is to increase the tone of the venous walls, normalize blood flow and blood viscosity. To solve these problems, patients are prescribed venotonics, hirudotherapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy sessions, as well as sports therapy exercises. If conservative therapy for this pelvic vascular disease is ineffective, surgery is performed - sclerotherapy or vascular embolization in pregnant women.

Vascular problems in pregnant women

Varicose veins are a problem in most pregnant women. It is associated with changes in the body of the expectant mother during pregnancy. During this period, there is a complete reconstruction of the hormonal background, which is directly related to the condition of the arteries. For example, an increase in estrogen causes changes in the structure of the muscle layer of the venous walls and vasodilatation.

In addition to the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and childbirth, pregnancy and childbirth can lead to the development of venous diseases in pregnant women and for other reasons. First of all, it is an increase in body weight and a simultaneous increase in the load on the lower extremities, as well as the extreme stress that a woman experiences during childbirth.

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

Vascular disease in women: symptoms and signs

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

• It is easy to miss the initial stage of the pathological process, because its manifestations are generally minimal. Small spider veins appear on the legs, a slight discomfort is felt until the evening, there may be a slight swelling at the end of the day. Although the clinical picture described is not very disturbing, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as you have these symptoms.
• If the disease is not detected early and treatment is not started on time, vascular problems increase in women. The venous network is becoming more and more noticeable, the characteristic nodes and cords are clearly visible under the skin, and the feeling of swelling and fullness in the lower extremities is a serious concern.
• If the disease is not treated or treated ineffectively, it is ignored. The affected veins are strongly differentiated under the skin, there is persistent edema, cramps occur at night, the skin in the lower leg may change color and become covered with trophic ulcers.

Vascular diseases in women: treatment

There are two main approaches to solving this problem: conservative and surgical. The first of these is generally used in the early stages of pathology, and the second is justified to combat the later stages of the disease.

Conservative therapy includes medication, use of foreign products, participation in physiotherapy sessions, wearing compression stockings, physical activity, daily routine, diet and drinking regimen. In addition, you can use additional means to combat 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, eliminate night cramps and reduce the severity of vascular pattern.

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

Surgery is aimed at complete or partial removal of varicose veins. Modern vascular surgery can offer the following operations:

• Combined phlebectomy.
• Laser coagulation.
• RF coagulation.
• Sclerotherapy.

When it comes to treating vascular diseases in women aged 50-60 and older, surgery is generally not performed because it is stressful for the body.