Aging changes in the male reproductive system
Andropause; Male reproductive changesAging changes in the male reproductive system may include changes in testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. These changes usually occur gradually.
The Basics
- Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints
- Aging changes in hormone production
- Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
- Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
- Aging changes in the senses
- Aging changes in the female reproductive system
- Aging changes in skin
- Aging changes in the lungs
- Aging changes in the nervous system
Self Care
Aging changes in nails
The nails change with aging, growing more slowly, and becoming dull and brittle. The color may change from translucent to yellowed and opaque. Nails, especially toenails, may become hard and thick and ingrown toenails may be more common. The tips of the fingernails may fragment. Sometimes, lengthwise (longitudinal) ridges will develop in the fingernails and toenails. This can be a normal aging change. However, some nail changes can be caused by infections, nutritional problems, trauma, and other problems.
Aging changes in nails
illustration
Aging changes in hearing
With aging, ear structures deteriorate. The eardrum often thickens and the inner ear bones and other structures are affected.
Aging changes in hearing
illustration
Changes in face with age
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases, but the remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin thus appears thinner, more translucent. Age spots or liver spots may appear in sun-exposed areas. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis and is especially pronounced in sun-exposed areas.
Changes in face with age
illustration
Changes in skin with age
Liver spots or age spots are a type of skin change that are associated with aging. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by exposure to sun, or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.
Changes in skin with age
illustration
Aging changes in nails
The nails change with aging, growing more slowly, and becoming dull and brittle. The color may change from translucent to yellowed and opaque. Nails, especially toenails, may become hard and thick and ingrown toenails may be more common. The tips of the fingernails may fragment. Sometimes, lengthwise (longitudinal) ridges will develop in the fingernails and toenails. This can be a normal aging change. However, some nail changes can be caused by infections, nutritional problems, trauma, and other problems.
Aging changes in nails
illustration
Aging changes in hearing
With aging, ear structures deteriorate. The eardrum often thickens and the inner ear bones and other structures are affected.
Aging changes in hearing
illustration
Changes in face with age
With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases, but the remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin thus appears thinner, more translucent. Age spots or liver spots may appear in sun-exposed areas. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis and is especially pronounced in sun-exposed areas.
Changes in face with age
illustration
Changes in skin with age
Liver spots or age spots are a type of skin change that are associated with aging. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by exposure to sun, or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.
Changes in skin with age
illustration
Aging changes in the male reproductive system
Andropause; Male reproductive changesAging changes in the male reproductive system may include changes in testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. These changes usually occur gradually.
The Basics
- Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints
- Aging changes in hormone production
- Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
- Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
- Aging changes in the senses
- Aging changes in the female reproductive system
- Aging changes in skin
- Aging changes in the lungs
- Aging changes in the nervous system
Self Care
Aging changes in the male reproductive system
Andropause; Male reproductive changesAging changes in the male reproductive system may include changes in testicular tissue, sperm production, and erectile function. These changes usually occur gradually.
The Basics
- Aging changes in the bones - muscles - joints
- Aging changes in hormone production
- Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
- Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
- Aging changes in the senses
- Aging changes in the female reproductive system
- Aging changes in skin
- Aging changes in the lungs
- Aging changes in the nervous system
Self Care
Review Date: 7/25/2020
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.