Varicose veins are swollen veins that can bulge near the surface of the skin. Many men and women are both embarrassed by the sight of these veins and experience the discomfort of swollen legs, itchy skin or small ulcers. Women, who have no genetic predisposition and thought they were much too young to experience a varicose veins or spider veins, can be surprised by the appearance of these little cosmetic problems during pregnancy. Although you may have little or no discomfort, they can make the legs feel heavy and achy.

The good news is that varicose veins  during pregnancy tend to improve significantly once you have given birth. And the better news is that these problems do not have to be problems if you take preventative measures. Women who work to reduce their risk of the development of varicose during pregnancy and spider veins will find they have a less likelihood of developing these unsightly problems.  Read more...

PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a term used to describe a set of hormonal changes that trigger a syndrome in a significant number of women for up to two weeks before the start of her period. More than 5 million women require treatment for symptoms of PMS such as marked mood changes and behavioral changes.

Symptoms of PMS will often taper off with the start of her period and then she remains symptom free until approximately two weeks prior to the next period.

There are over 150 symptoms that have been attributed to PMS. The most common physical PMS symptoms are crying spells, headache, fatigue, fluid retention, constipation, backaches, cramping and weight gain. Emotional symptoms of PMS include behavior changes, anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks, tension and altered libido.

PMS symptoms can vary from month to month and women can be symptom free during some months.  Read more...

Most teens start menstruating when they are 11-13 years old but the first period can start as early as 9! So when do you start to talk about teen menstruation? How early is early enough?

You can generally predict the start of a girls menstrual periods by the development of her breasts. Girls develop breast buds, or small nodules below the nipples as the breasts begin to grow. This development happens approximately 2 years before she will start her period.

Most preteens are too embarrassed to start the discussion themselves so it is up to you to begin the conversation. There is too much information to cover all of it in one conversation and one talk will discourage your girl from asking questions later.

To introduce the topic you may want to ask her what she already knows and has heard from her friends. You can also start the conversation with health issues, which may be less embarrassing for her. Answer any of her questions honestly and at her maturity level.  Read more...

Varicose veins develop in men and women when the one-way valves that control the return of blood from the lower extremities to the heart are damaged. These valves prevent the blood from holding in the veins and the subsequent swelling. Unfortunately, some men and women are prone to varicose veins and spider veins because of a genetic predisposition. Women can also develop varicose veins in the vaginal area, especially during pregnancy.

These vaginal varicose veins can occur both within the vaginal vault and outside where they can be seen more clearly. Some women complain of pain and discomfort while others noticed the bump but have no change in sensation. Just as with other varicose veins, women who spend the majority of their day on their feet, will experience greater heaviness and pain at the end of the day. Also, it is not uncommon for women to find that sex is now uncomfortable or painful after they have developed vaginal varicose veins.  Read more...

Spider veins are those small blue, red or purplish looking vessels that are close to the surface of the skin and often cause individuals embarrassment and some discomfort and send them on a search for an effective spider veins treatment. More women than men are at risk for the development of spider veins.

Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes and standing or sitting for long periods of time. Individuals who have a genetic history, in other words have family members who also suffer from spider veins or varicose veins will have a higher risk for developing the same the problem.

Women who suffer from spider veins are more interested in spider veins treatment than they are on how or why they developed. However, by learning how and why they develop, you are able to decrease the likelihood that you will develop more spider veins than you currently have.  Read more...

Varicose veins are veins which are abnormally and irregularly swollen and are a condition for which many seek varicose veins treatment. This is the part of the arterial system that returns blood to the heart after oxygen has been delivered to the tissues. The symptoms of varicose veins can occur in multiple different areas of the body on both men and women.

The most common form goes down in either one or both of two large veins near the surface of the leg. Varicose veins can also occur inside the anus, the vagina and the testicles as well as spider veins which can occur on the face and upper arms.

The signs and symptoms of varicose veins will depend upon the area of the body which is experiencing the varicose veins. In the legs, individuals will recognize symptoms such as itchy or heavy legs, especially if they have been sitting or standing for any length of time. Varicose veins will also appear blue and twisted. If they are severe and without varicose veins treatment, the skin covering the leg can also become dry, itchy and swollen.  Read more...

Spider veins are like varicose veins but they are much smaller. They often began as small capillaries that are blue or red squiggles on the skin. Most common areas are over the surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. Unfortunately, it is estimated that at least one third of the adult female population will experience spider veins at one time or another in her life.

Women often seek treatment for spider veins because they are of cosmetic concern. And, for cosmetic reasons, insurance companies will not cover the treatment of spider veins. However, it is not uncommon for spider veins to also cause specific symptoms, such as aching, heaviness or itching on the legs. Spider veins are also associated with larger underlying varicose veins and are sometimes a precursor to those larger medical problems.  Read more...