Study Examines Role of Testosterone and Estradiol in Varicose Veins in Men

Believe it or not, it is estimated that over 50% of men will suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lives.  Gravity and heredity are known to contribute to varicose veins, but scientists are now exploring potential links between sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol and varicose veins.

 

In 2009, a study published in Angiology by Dermatologists at the Universitaetsklinikum Leipzig examined the link between testosterone and estradiol levels and varicose veins in a small study of 21 men with the complaint.

 

They wanted to research the relationship between sex hormones and varicose veins because varicose veins are common in women who have raised estradiol levels in their blood. Men with Klinefelter syndrome, who also have higher levels of estradiol than other men, are also more likely to suffer from varicose veins.

 

The German doctors compared the hormone levels of the 21 men with varicose veins with the levels of 13 men without varicose veins.What they discovered is that while there does not appear to be a link between testosterone levels and varicose veins, but there does appear to be a link between estradiol levels and varicose veins.

 

Researchers aren’t sure why this is the case, but if the results of the study are correct, then supplements that inhibit the conversion of testosterone into estradiol may help in preventing varicose veins. Examples include: mangosteen, kelp, Ginkgo biloba, Damiana, vitamin K, fish oil, green tea, grapeseed-extract and GLA.

 

Perhaps scientists will uncover a way to prevent varicose veins with supplements, but until then science has at least advanced enough to remove varicose veins once they appear.

 

What do you think? Did you know that sex hormones played a role in varicose veins?

 

*Photo Credit Tinou Baou

Source:
Angiology. 2009 Jun-Jul;60(3):283-9.