Vein Health is Women’s Health

Medically reviewed by Pamela Kim, MD, RPVI on May 1, 2025

When you think about women’s health, you might reflect on heart health, breast wellness, or reproductive care. But there’s one area of women’s wellbeing that often gets overlooked: venous health. And here’s why vein health cannot be ignored: vein problems like varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency affect millions of women and can seriously impact a woman’s daily life.

The National Library of Medicine (NIH) reports that approximately 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency each year. If left untreated, CVI is usually progressive and leads to postphlebitic syndrome (a condition that can develop after having a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a leg) and venous ulcers.

Understanding vein health and how it affects women disproportionally is the first step to feeling better, moving better, and living your best life. That’s why we spoke to Dr. Pamela Kim, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration Vein Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, and Woburn, Massachusetts.

Dr. Kim is a fellowship-trained and board-certified vascular surgeon specializing in minimally invasive vein treatments, with advanced training in both phlebology and vascular surgery.

📅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim in Framingham, Massachusetts, CLICK HERE.

📅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim in Woburn, Massachusetts, CLICK HERE.

📍Don’t live near Framingham, MA, or Woburn, MA? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.

Vein Problems Are Common in Women

Chronic venous disease is a common vein problem where blood has trouble flowing back to the heart, causing leg swelling, pain, and visible veins like varicose and spider veins. Called chronic venous insufficiency in its more advanced stage, it affects women, who are more likely to develop varicose veins, and can lead to serious issues like skin changes, ulcers, or blood clots. That’s why recognizing the signs and seeing a vein specialist early is key to protecting your health and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Vein Disease in Women

Vein problems can show up in different ways. Some of the most common signs include:

• Leg pain or aching after standing or sitting for too long.
• Swelling in your ankles or calves.
• Heaviness or tiredness in your legs.
• Itching or burning skin over veins.
• Varicose veins that are large, twisted, and bulging.
• Spider veins, which are smaller, red or blue veins close to the skin.

The Mayo Clinic warns that while varicose veins may seem like a cosmetic concern, they can signal deeper problems in your circulation.

Venous Insufficiency in Women: What the Research Reveals

According to a study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery titled “Venous disease in women: Epidemiology, manifestations, and treatment,” women are more susceptible to conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency due to factors such as hormonal influences, pregnancy-related changes, and specific lifestyle elements.​

Key Findings Relevant to Women's Health:

• Higher Prevalence: ScienceDirect reports that CVI affects less than 1 percent to 17 percent of men, whereas in women, the prevalence ranges from less than 1 percent to 40 percent. This data underscores that women are disproportionately affected by CVI compared to men
• Pregnancy-Related Risks: Physiological changes during pregnancy, including increased blood volume and hormonal shifts, contribute to the development of venous disorders. The study notes that varicose veins develop in 13 percent of first-time pregnant women, increasing to up to 57 percent in women with multiple pregnancies. ​
• Symptomatology: Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as leg heaviness, fatigue, and swelling, which are associated with superficial venous reflux. ​
• Treatment Advances: The study stresses that modern, minimally invasive outpatient treatments like endovenous thermal ablation and sclerotherapy have improved patient outcomes and are particularly beneficial for women seeking less invasive options with shorter recovery times than previous vein stripping and other invasive techniques.

This research underscores the importance of recognizing gender-specific factors in the diagnosis and management of venous diseases, advocating for increased awareness and tailored treatment approaches for women.​

Are you a woman concerned about vein problems?

At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists provide expert care designed specifically for women facing vein issues like chronic venous insufficiency. We use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help you find lasting relief.

Schedule a consultation today and see why CVR is the nation's leader in minimally invasive vein care. Call 📞 240-965-3915 or 💻 schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.

Why Are Women More at Risk of Vein Disease?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50 percent of women have spider veins, a symptom of venous insufficiency that becomes even more prevalent after age 80.

Several things make women more prone to vein problems:

• Hormones: Estrogen can weaken vein walls over time. That’s why vein issues often get worse during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking birth control.
• Pregnancy: Extra blood volume and pressure from the growing baby can stress your veins.
• Family history: If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, there’s a good chance you might, too.
• Lifestyle: Standing or sitting for long periods, wearing high heels, or a lack of exercise can all contribute to vein disease.

What Happens if Vein Problems Are Left Untreated?

Ignoring vein issues won’t make them go away. In fact, they tend to get worse over time. Untreated vein disease can lead to:

• Skin changes like darkening or thickening.
• Painful sores called venous ulcers.
• Higher risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Listen to What Your Legs Are Telling You!
That’s why taking care of your veins isn’t just about looks, it’s about staying healthy and active. Persistent swelling, heaviness, or visible veins could mean something more. Schedule your consultation with a CVR specialist now—your health shouldn’t wait.

How Can Women Protect Their Vein Health?

Good news: there are simple things you can do to support healthy veins:

• Move more: Walking, swimming, and yoga help boost circulation.
• Wear compression stockings: These help push blood back up to your heart.
• Elevate your legs: Rest with your feet above heart level to reduce swelling.
• Stay at a healthy weight: Extra weight puts more pressure on your veins.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting: Take breaks to stretch and move around.

REMEMBER: Vein problems won’t fix themselves, and often lifestyle changes aren’t enough. If you’re still dealing with leg pain or vein issues despite healthy habits, don’t delay. See a Center for Vein Restoration specialist and get the care you deserve.

CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

What Vein Treatments Are Available?

Modern vein treatments are safe, effective, and can greatly improve your quality of life. Gone are the days of painful vein stripping surgeries! Today’s treatments are minimally invasive and often take less than an hour in a comfortable office setting.

Some of the most common outpatient vein treatments include:

• Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into veins, making them fade.
• Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation: Heat is used to close off damaged veins.
• Microphlebectomy: Small incisions are made to remove larger varicose veins, requiring only a band-aid to heal.

Take the First Step Toward Healthy Legs

Don’t let vein problems slow you down. Your health—and your legs—deserve the best care. Schedule a consultation with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist today if you’re ready to feel better, look better, and move with confidence.