Being female can make you more likely to develop some health issues. Varicose veins are one disease that’s more common in women. The first reason is pregnancy, as the baby causes increased pressure on the vessels compounded by increased blood volume during pregnancy. A second reason women may experience more varicose vein symptoms is leg muscle mass may be less than a male. Strong leg muscles may support the blood vessel more. Finally, female hormones estrogen and progesterone cause the muscles that control blood flow in the legs to relax.