Abstract: Androgen nucleus derivatives having specified substituents at the 17.alpha. position are disclosed for use as antiandrogens for the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases. In some preferred embodiments, the compound ##STR1## is formulated together with pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier for topical use in the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases associated with the skin.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for the topical treatment of androgen-related conditions, e.g., acne in humans containing an amount of the compound represented by formula II effective for the topical treatment of the androgen-related conditions, e.g., acne ##STR1## dissolved in an alcohol-water solvent system, such as ethanol-water ?97.6:2.4(w/w)! and having an apparent pH in the range of about 3.5 to 4.5, and containing a gelling agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Methods of treatment and prevention of estrogen-related diseases, and of fertility control, include low dose (e.g. less than 50 nanomolar serum concentration) administration of certain anabolic steroids, progestins and other substantially non-masculinizing androgenic compounds. Sustained release formulations substantially free of organic solvent, and sustained release formulations for maintaining low serum levels of androgen are disclosed.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: A method of treatment or prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis and endometriosis in susceptible warm-blooded animals comprising administering a low dose of a progestin or other steroid derivative having androgenic activity and low masculinizing activity. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed. An in vitro assay permitting specific measurements of androgenic activity of potentially useful compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Inhibitors of sex steroid activity, for example those having the general structure ##STR1## may be used as part of a pharmaceutical composition to provide antiestrogenic effects and/or to suppress estrogen synthesis. Such pharmaceutical compositions are useful for the treatment of breast cancer or other diseases whose progress is aided by activation of sex steroid receptors.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: A combination therapy for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in susceptible warm-blooded animals which comprises administering a combination of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of 5.alpha.-reductase activity, an anti-estrogen, an inhibitor of aromatase activity, an inhibitor of 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and, in some cases, an anti-androgen and/or an LHRH agonist. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treatment and prevention of estrogen-related diseases, and of fertility control, include low dose (e.g. less than 50 nanomolar serum concentration) administration of certain anabolic steroids, progestins and other substantially non-masculinizing androgenic compounds. Sustained release formulations substantially free of organic solvent, and sustained release formulations for maintaining low serum levels of androgen are disclosed.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to either of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, hypogonadism, diminished libido, loss of collagen or connective tissues in the skin, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to ether of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hyprogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.

Abstract: A method of treatment or prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis and endometriosis in susceptible warm-blooded animals comprising administering a low dose of a progestin or other steroid derivative having androgenic activity and low masculinizing activity. Pharmaceutical compositions useful for such treatment and pharmaceutical kits containing such compositions are disclosed. An in vitro assay permitting specific measurements of androgenic activity of potentially useful compounds is also disclosed.