Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol

Androst-5-ene-3 beta ,17 beta diol is used to treat or reduce the likelihood of acquiring osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, or other diseases affected by estrogen receptor activity, like vaginal atrophy, hyporgonadism, diminished libido, skin atrophy, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, obesity, cardiovascular disease, loss of muscle mass, loss of energy or fatigue, Alzheimer's disease and loss of memory and for conditions which respond well to DHEA treatment, but where a higher ratio of estrogenic to androgenic effects is desired. Combination therapies are included, as are kits and pharmaceutical compositions for providing the active ingredients of claimed methods and combinations.