Androst-5-ene-3,17 diol is used to treat or reduce the likelihood of acquiring osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms, or other diseases affected by estrogen receptor activity, 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 or providing the active ingredients of claimed methods and combinations.