Let’s talk about something many women in perimenopause deal with… but few talk about openly:
Varicose veins.
They’re not just a cosmetic issue. For many of us—including myself—they’re painful, frustrating, and tied to deeper systemic changes in the body.
You may have been told they’re just about “getting older” or standing too much. But the truth is, hormonal changes during perimenopause are a significant factor in the development—and worsening—of varicose veins.
As a former floor nurse who spent over five years on her feet, has a family history of varicose veins, and is now going through perimenopause, I understand just how multifactorial this issue is—and how much it can affect your quality of life.
At Antigravity Wellness, we take a whole-body approach to hormonal health, and that includes circulation, vascular health, and inflammation—all of which tie into varicose vein development.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins—most commonly in the legs—that occur when the valves inside your veins weaken or fail. Normally, these valves help push blood back up toward your heart, working against gravity. When they become faulty, blood pools in the vein, increasing pressure and causing visible bulging.
You may also see:
- Aching, heaviness, or throbbing in the legs
- Itching or burning around the vein
- Swelling in ankles and lower legs
- Skin changes, discoloration, or inflammation around the area
In advanced cases, varicose veins can lead to venous stasis ulcers, blood clots, or chronic inflammation if left untreated (Eberhardt & Raffetto, 2014).
Why Perimenopause Makes Varicose Veins Worse
Hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—play a big role in vein elasticity and circulation.
During perimenopause:
- Progesterone levels decline, which affects the tone of smooth muscle in vein walls
- Estrogen levels fluctuate, which may weaken vein structure
- Increased inflammation and insulin resistance make vein walls more prone to damage
- Slower metabolism and reduced physical activity can reduce healthy blood flow
A 2016 study in Phlebology confirmed that hormonal changes during midlife significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing or worsening varicose veins—especially when paired with other risk factors like standing jobs and previous pregnancies (Labropoulos et al., 2016).
Risk Factors: Why Some Women Are More Prone Than Others
While perimenopause can trigger or worsen varicose veins, it often stacks on top of other existing risk factors:
1. Pregnancy
Increased blood volume, hormonal shifts, and pressure from the growing uterus all stress the venous system.
2. Nursing or Standing Jobs
Spending years on your feet—like in nursing, teaching, retail, or service work—creates constant pressure in the lower extremities, increasing valve failure risk.
3. Genetics
If your mom or grandmother had varicose veins, your risk is significantly higher. Up to 90% of people with varicose veins have a family history (Beebe-Dimmer et al., 2005).
What You Can Do to Minimize or Prevent Varicose Veins
While we can’t change our genetics or career history, there are steps we can take to minimize risk and slow progression—especially during perimenopause:
Daily Strategies:
- Elevate your legs above heart level for 10–15 minutes daily
- Use compression stockings to support venous return
- Stay active—walking, rebounding, swimming, and yoga all support circulation
- Avoid crossing your legs for long periods
- Hydrate and move throughout your day if you sit or stand for work
Nutrition & Supplementation:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, berries, and citrus
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids: support collagen and vein strength
- Horse chestnut extract: shown to reduce leg swelling and heaviness
- Gotu kola: may improve microcirculation and venous tone
- Magnesium: helps relax blood vessels and reduce cramping
Always consult with your provider before beginning supplements, especially if you’re taking anticoagulants or blood pressure medications.
When to Consider Medical or Surgical Treatment
If your veins are:
- Extremely painful
- Causing skin breakdown or discoloration
- Leading to chronic swelling
- Or interfering with your daily activities…
…it may be time to consult with a vascular specialist.
Options include:
- Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
- Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Surgical vein stripping (less common now)
Watch for These Red Flags
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden swelling in one leg
- Painful, warm, red veins
- Skin ulcers or open sores
- Signs of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)—which can be life-threatening
Insurance Issues (and Why Women Deserve Better)
Sadly, more and more women are being told that varicose vein removal is “cosmetic” and not medically necessary—even when the symptoms are severe.
We know the truth:
- It’s not just about how your legs look.
- It’s about pain, sleep, activity limitations, and confidence.
- Dismissing it as aesthetic is another way women’s health is minimized.
We encourage you to:
- Advocate for a vascular ultrasound to document reflux
- Ask your provider to submit documentation of pain, swelling, or skin involvement
- Consider paying out of pocket only when necessary—and only after exploring all options
Multiple studies show that untreated varicose veins can lead to worsening outcomes over time, including venous ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency (Alguire & Mathes, 2021).
At Antigravity Wellness, We Support You from the Inside Out
We know that hormone shifts are about more than your cycle—they impact every system in your body, including your veins, circulation, and inflammatory response.
When we work with women in perimenopause, we take a whole-body approach:
- Hormonal balance
- Nutrient repletion
- Inflammation reduction
- Movement, metabolism, and nervous system support
Supporting your body internally is just as important as external treatment—especially when it comes to something as complex as varicose veins.
Want to Learn More About Supporting Your Hormones and Vascular Health?
🎁 Start with our FREE 5-Day Hormone Reset Mini-Course
Discover the hidden ways hormones affect energy, inflammation, sleep, and circulation—and simple steps you can take to support your body.
https://social.antigravitywellness.com/mini-course-freebie
👩⚕️ Live in WA or OR? Book a Brief Initial Consult with Dr. Nicole Smith
We’ll review your symptoms, create a personalized hormone and vascular support plan, and help you move forward feeling clear, strong, and supported.
https://social.antigravitywellness.com/perimenopause-menopause-clinic
🎁 Bonus Download: Varicose Vein Risk + Relief Guide
Want a simple, practical handout to help you track your risk factors and start feeling better now? Download our Varicose Vein Risk + Relief Guide for:
- A quick risk factor checklist
- At-home prevention and relief strategies
- Supplement tips (and what to avoid)
- When to seek medical attention
- Insurance tips and questions to ask
- Whole-body wellness guidance from Antigravity Wellness
🧡 Click here to download your free guide and take the first step toward better circulation and symptom relief.
References:
- Eberhardt, R. T., & Raffetto, J. D. (2014). Chronic venous insufficiency. Circulation, 130(4), 333–346.
- Labropoulos, N., et al. (2016). Venous insufficiency in women: Hormonal influences. Phlebology, 31(10), 686–692.
- Beebe-Dimmer, J. L., et al. (2005). The epidemiology of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Annals of Epidemiology, 15(3), 175–184.
- Alguire, P. C., & Mathes, B. M. (2021). Management of varicose veins. UpToDate.
