Abstract: The production of sex steroids by the &Dgr;-5 steroidogenic pathway has been found to be under control of the adrenergic nervous system, and sex steroids produced by this pathway are diminished in individuals with adrenergically-blockaded conditions. This invention relates to diminishing the consequences of suppressed &Dgr;-5 pathway steroidogenesis in individuals with adrenergically blockaded conditions by the administration of compositions which raise the serum levels of sex steroids.