Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are useful in treating prostatic carcinoma: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17-position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are useful in treating the symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17-position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are testosterone 5.alpha.-reductase inhibitors rendering said compounds useful in the treatment of acne and oily skin: ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of from 0 to 4; R.sub.1 is --COOR.sub.2, --CONR.sub.3 R.sub.4, --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.5 ; R.sub.2 is hydrogen, a straight or branched lower alkyl group of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or benzyl; each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a straight or branched lower alkyl group of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R.sub.5 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are useful in inducing an estrogenic response in a patient in need thereof: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17-position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are useful in treating acne: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: Compounds of the following general formula are useful in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17-position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: A method of contraception which comprises administering a compound of the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17-position carbon atom and the oxygen atom either alone or in combination with a progestogen.

Abstract: A method of promoting the growth of ruminants and poultry without concommitant adrogenizing effects using the following compound: ##STR1## wherein R is --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OR.sub.1 ; each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is straight or branched, benzoyl, phenylalkylcarbonyl wherein the alkyl moiety has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and is straight or branched or cycloalkylcarbonyl wherein the cycloalkyl moiety has from 5 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is hydrogen; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together form a double bond between the 17- position carbon atom and the oxygen atom.

Abstract: 7.alpha.-Methylestr-4-ene-3.alpha.,17.beta.-diol and derivatives thereof useful as antifertility agents.