Does HRT cause thread veins?
A Complex Relationship
It’s true that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can contribute to the development of spider veins. This is particularly evident in women who are predisposed to venous insufficiency or have a family history of varicose veins.
However, it is a complex issue.
Even without HRT, menopause itself can contribute to the development of thread veins or varicose veins. As oestrogen levels decrease during menopause, blood vessels become weaker and more prone to damage. Additionally, fluid retention and blood volume changes can put extra pressure on veins, leading to the development of varicose veins.
Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular option to alleviate the many symptoms of the menopause, but it could also exacerbate thread veins or varicose veins as well as increasing the risk of blood clots.
It’s important to note that not all women going on HRT will develop spider veins; just as menopause is unlikely to cause vein problems for many women. Individual factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health are all other factors that can influence susceptibility.
Clinical Evidence
While there isn’t a definitive consensus in the medical literature, several studies have suggested a connection between HRT and spider veins. The fluctuations in hormone levels associated with menopause and HRT can also affect vein health. Here are some key points:
- Hormonal Changes:
- Oestrogen: oestrogen has a vasodilatory effect, meaning it can relax blood vessels. This relaxation can sometimes lead to increased blood flow in the veins, potentially contributing to the formation of spider veins. Equally, when oestrogen levels decline, as they do during menopause, the walls of blood vessels can weaken, making them more susceptible to dilation and bulging.
- Progesterone: progesterone can have a similar effect, though to a lesser extent.
- Increased Blood Pressure:
In some individuals, hormone replacement therapy can slightly elevate blood pressure, which can put additional strain on veins.
Lifestyle Factors
It’s important to note that spider veins can also occur naturally, especially as we age. Many factors besides HRT can contribute to their development, including:
- Weight Gain:
Some women may experience weight gain while on HRT, which can also contribute to venous pressure and the development of spider veins. - Lifestyle:
Factors like prolonged standing, obesity, and smoking can contribute to vein problems. - Genetics:
A family history of spider veins can increase your risk.
If you’re taking or considering HRT and are concerned about vein problems, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits and whether it’s the right choice.
For further reading, you may enjoy the scientific paper ‘Effects of oestrogen on the vascular system’ – https://www.scielo.br/j/bjmbr/a/CLF8HqFPsqzCgzXjWNk9myk/.
How to get rid of thread veins
If you are concerned about thread veins, laser therapy or sclerotherapy are clinically proven methods of dealing with unwanted vein problems.
- Laser treatment works by targeting the targeting the visible blood vessels with a burst of laser energy to make the veins shrink and eventually disappear. One session may provide complete improvement for spider veins.
- Microcautery techniques use a very quick burst of intense heat which works to destroy the venous walls, so that the vein quickly collapses and is no longer visible
- Microsclerotherapy is an injectable treatment, which tends to be used more for leg veins. This works in a similar way, by destroying the vein so that it disappears while blood simply flows through other, deeper veins instead
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Established in 2003, Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer thread vein removal at a selection of clinics based in London and now in Bristol too. They use the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.