The invention relates to methods to characterize exemplified compounds such as 3.beta., 17.beta.-dihydroxyandrost-1,5,11 -triene and 3.beta., 17.beta.-dihydroxy-17.alpha.-ethynylandrost-1,5,11-triene and to the use of described compounds to ameliorate or treat a condition such as thrombocytopenia, inflammation or other exemplified conditions.