Testosterone Isn’t Just a “Male Hormone”—And Women Need It More Than You Think

Ask most women what testosterone does, and they'll say it’s a male hormone that builds muscle or boosts sex drive. But here’s the truth: testosterone is essential for women’s health too—and it becomes critically important after ovarian removal.

If you’ve had your ovaries removed—or even if you’re navigating menopause with intact ovaries—you’re likely missing one of your body’s most vital hormones. And unfortunately, your adrenal glands can’t fully replace what was lost.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Why testosterone matters for women
  
  

• What happens when you lose your ovarian source
  
  

• How to recognize the symptoms of deficiency
  
  

• Why testosterone therapy is essential—not optional—after oophorectomy
  
  

Let’s set the record straight.

The Ovaries: A Vital Source of Female Testosterone

When we talk about estrogen loss after a hysterectomy, it dominates the conversation. But testosterone is quietly disappearing too—and no one is talking about it.

Here's what you need to know:

• Your ovaries produce about 25% of your total testosterone
  
  

• Another 25% comes from your adrenal glands
  
  

• The rest is made from the conversion of other hormones in peripheral tissues (like fat cells and skin)
  
  

So when the ovaries are removed in a bilateral oophorectomy, you immediately lose 25% of your testosterone production. The adrenal glands do not step in to make up for this loss. In fact, adrenal output declines with age and chronic stress.

The result? A silent, significant hormone crash that leaves many women exhausted, depressed, and confused—even if they’re on estrogen therapy.

Why Women Need Testosterone—And What Happens Without It

Testosterone in women is often misunderstood—but it’s not optional. This powerful hormone plays a key role in:

• Sex drive and arousal
  
  

• Muscle tone and strength
  
  

• Motivation and drive
  
  

• Energy and stamina
  
  

• Cognitive function and memory
  
  

• Mood stability and emotional resilience
  
  

• Metabolism and fat regulation
  
  

When testosterone levels fall—especially suddenly after ovary removal—many women report:

• Low libido or inability to orgasm
  
  

• Rapid muscle loss or weight gain (especially around the belly)
  
  

• Chronic fatigue and low motivation
  
  

• Depression or emotional flatness
  
  

• Brain fog and trouble concentrating
  
  

And here’s the kicker: many women are given estrogen, but not testosterone. They’re told they should feel better—but they don’t. They’re left wondering if this is “just what aging feels like.”

It’s not aging. It’s hormone loss. And it’s treatable.

Every Woman Who Loses Her Ovaries Needs Testosterone Support

We can’t stress this enough:
If you’ve had your ovaries removed, you need testosterone supplementation—100% of the time.

Your estrogen and progesterone are also gone, and while HRT protocols typically focus on replacing those, testosterone is often overlooked.

That’s a mistake.

Even when estrogen is restored, many women still feel “off.” It's not until testosterone is added—carefully, safely, and in a bioidentical form—that they start to feel alive again.

At Steel City HRT, we’ve helped countless women:

• Reclaim their sexual health
  
  

• Rebuild lean muscle
  
  

• Sharpen their focus and memory
  
  

• Reignite energy and zest for life
  
  

Still Have Your Ovaries? You May Still Be at Risk for Testosterone Decline

Testosterone deficiency isn’t only a problem after ovary removal. Even women who keep their ovaries may experience:

• Accelerated ovarian aging post-hysterectomy
  
  

• Natural age-related testosterone decline (starting in the late 30s)
  
  

• Adrenal fatigue or chronic stress reducing hormone output
  
  

That’s why testing is key. At Steel City HRT, we don’t guess—we test your:

• Total testosterone
  
  

• Free testosterone (the active, bioavailable form)
  
  

• DHEA and other supporting hormones
  
  

If your levels are low—and symptoms match—we can personalize a plan to restore your hormonal balance.

Why Your Adrenals Can’t Do the Job Alone

It’s often assumed that the adrenal glands will “pick up the slack” when ovaries are removed. But that’s wishful thinking.

Here’s why that doesn’t work:

• Adrenals only account for about 25% of your total testosterone
  
  

• As you age, adrenal output naturally declines
  
  

• Chronic stress (which many women deal with daily) further suppresses adrenal hormone production
  
  

• In times of stress, the body prioritizes cortisol over testosterone
  
  

Bottom line: you cannot rely on the adrenals to compensate for ovarian loss. It’s simply not enough.

The Benefits of Bioidentical Testosterone Therapy for Women

Testosterone therapy isn’t about turning women into bodybuilders. It’s about restoring what’s been lost.

At Steel City HRT, we use bioidentical testosterone, which is molecularly identical to your body’s natural form.

Benefits include:

• Restored libido and sexual confidence
  
  

• Increased muscle tone and strength
  
  

• Sharper thinking and mental clarity
  
  

• Better mood and emotional stability
  
  

• Deeper sleep and energy throughout the day
  
  

• Improved metabolism and fat burning
  
  

Delivery methods include:

• Transdermal cream (daily use)
  
  

• Troches (sublingual)
  
  

• Injections (weekly or biweekly)
  
  

• Pellets (longer-term option for some women)
  
  

Every woman’s needs are different—which is why we customize therapy based on labs, symptoms, and lifestyle.

Steel City’s Perspective: You Deserve Complete Hormone Therapy

“So many women come to us on estrogen-only therapy. They’ve been told it’s enough. But they’re still tired. Still foggy. Still disconnected from their bodies. Once we optimize testosterone, it’s like someone flipped the lights back on.”

We don’t believe in halfway HRT.
You deserve a hormone protocol that makes you feel whole, strong, and alive again.

Stop Settling for Less Than Full Hormone Support

📞 Call 719-669-4223
💻 Or book your consultation today

We’ll test your hormone levels, create a personalized testosterone therapy plan, and guide you every step of the way.
Because this isn’t about vanity—it’s about vitality.

FAQ: Women & Testosterone Therapy

Q: Do women really make testosterone?
A: Absolutely. Women need testosterone for energy, muscle, mood, and sexual health. The ovaries are a primary source.

Q: What happens to testosterone levels after ovary removal?
A: They drop significantly—usually by at least 25%. The adrenal glands do not fully compensate.

Q: What are signs of low testosterone in women?
A: Low libido, fatigue, mood swings, muscle loss, belly fat, and brain fog.

Q: Is testosterone therapy safe for women?
A: Yes—when properly dosed and monitored by a hormone therapy specialist, it’s safe and life-enhancing.

References (APA 7 Style)

Davis, S. R., & Wahlin-Jacobsen, S. (2015). Testosterone in women—the clinical significance. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 3(12), 980–992. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00286-3

Gersh, F. L. (2022). Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know. New World Library.

North American Menopause Society. (2023). Hormone therapy in surgical menopause. https://www.menopause.org

Wierman, M. E., Arlt, W., Basson, R., et al. (2014). Androgen therapy in women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(10), 3489–3510.