The Aging Reproductive System: Is This System Going to Fail Me, Too?

As a result of normal aging, men and women experience a variety of anatomical and physiological changes, including changes within their reproductive tracts.  Some of these changes have far-reaching effects on organs and tissues distant from the reproductive areas.   The most striking age-related changes in the female reproductive system occur between the ages of 45-65, while changes in the male reproductive system occur more gradually and over a longer period of time. Aging consequences in women may include: reduction in bone density and skeletal mass; reduction in vasomotor control; shrinkage of tissues; psychological changes; decrease in good cholesterol.  Aging consequences in men may include: increased  body fat; reduced muscle mass; reduced bone mass, reduced libido, and increased risk of anemia.

As a consequence of normal aging, we may ask “Is this system going to fail me, too?”  Dr. Seeley will present a sequence of two talks about the aging reproductive system.  His expertise is reflected in being a co-author of college texts on anatomy and physiology.