The Pill and Varicose Veins

We’ve all seen them—ugly purple veins that show through the skin, particularly in the legs. Varicose veins are most commonly seen as you get older, and are more common in women, but sometimes afflict even younger folks and men. Varicose veins can start as thin lines, often referred to as spider veins, but can also be larger, and if they become too severe, can be an indication of serious circulation problems.

How are birth control pills—also known just as “the pill”—related to varicose veins? Varicose veins occur more often during pregnancy and menstruation, both of which affect levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Because the pill manipulates hormone levels to prevent pregnancy, these changes in hormones can also make the chances of developing varicose veins higher.

Can the pill cause varicose veins?

While the pill doesn’t cause varicose veins directly, birth control pills as well as other medications that affect levels of estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to risk factors for varicose veins.

A rare and serious condition called venous thromboembolism is listed as one of the risks of using birth control pills. Venous thromboembolism causes blood clots to form in the veins. One symptom of this condition is varicose veins, so if you’re on the pill and suffering from varicose veins, you should consult with your doctor.

Other risk factors for varicose veins include aging, obesity, standing for long periods of time, and aging. At their root, varicose veins are a symptom of inefficient blood circulation and weakness in the veins.

Treatment for varicose veins from the pill

If varicose veins become severe, or are tender to the touch, you should consult a medical professional to be sure they’re not the result of a more serious condition. If your doctor determines there are no serious underlying causes, there are other things you can do to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Among these remedies are medical treatments or even surgery. Herbal remedies can also be effective in reducing the appearance of varicose veins and increasing the efficiency of blood circulation.

If you’re shopping for an herbal remedy for varicose veins, look for ingredients that have been shown to be effective in their treatment. Among these ingredients are horse chestnut, Diosmin, and Hesperidin. These ingredients help increase the strength of the veins, increase blood flow, and protect the integrity of veins and capillaries. As an alternative to expensive and uncomfortable surgery, herbal treatment can help you reduce or eliminate unsightly varicose veins.