The truth about varicose veins

Risk factors
Certain people seem to be more predisposed to varicose veins than others. The condition is slightly more common in women, who are more likely to seek treatment than men. You are more at risk from developing varicose veins if members of your family have them and if you are over 40, because as skin ages and loses its elasticity it cannot support the veins as firmly.

Other factors include changes in hormonal levels brought on by pregnancy, menopause and the use of birth control pills (oestrogen and progesterone). Obesity, a leg injury, inactivity and strain in the abdominal region, from repeated heavy lifting, pregnancy or constipation - a haemorrhoid is actually a varicose vein - can bring on the condition.

Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within three months after delivery. However, these abnormal veins are more likely to remain with successive pregnancies.