There are sex-related differences in venous compliance and capillary filtration in the lower limbs, which to some extent can explain the susceptibility to orthostatic intolerance in young women. With age venous compliance and capacitance is reduced in men. This study was designed to evaluate age-related changes in venous compliance and capillary filtration in the lower limbs of healthy women. 22 young and 12 elderly women (23.1±0.4 and 66.4±1.4 years) were included. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) of 11, 22 and 44 mmHg created defined transmural pressure gradients in the lower limb. Plethysmographic technique was used on the calf to assess venous capacitance and net capillary filtration. Venous compliance was calculated with aid of a quadratic regression equation. No age-related differences in venous compliance and capacitance were found. Net capillary filtration and capillary filtration coefficient (CFC) were lower in elderly women at LBNP 11 mmHg and 22 mmHg (0.0032 vs. 0.0044 and 0.0030 vs. 0.0041 ml 100ml^-1 min^-1 mmHg^-1, P 0.001). At higher transmural pressure (LBNP 44 mmHg), CFC increased by approximately 1/3 (0.010 ml 100ml^-1 min^-1 mmHg^-1) in the elderly (P < 0.001), but remained unchanged in the young women. In conclusion, no age-related decrease in venous compliance and capacitance was seen in women. However, a decreased CFC was found with age implying reduced capillary function. Increasing transmural pressure increased CFC in the elderly women indicating an increased capillary susceptibility to transmural pressure load in dependent regions. These findings differ from earlier studies on age-related effects in men, indicating sex-specific vascular ageing both in the venous section and microcirculation.