Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein carbon atoms 1 and 2 are linked by a single bond or a double bond, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and A is a group of the formula --N(--R.sub.2)--X-- wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and X is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkylene or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkylidene; a group of the formula --N(--R.sub.2)--Y--Phe-- wherein R.sub.2 is as defined above, Y is a direct bond or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylene and Phe is an unsubstituted or substituted phenylene radical; a group of the formula --O--X-- wherein X is as defined above, or a group --O--Y--Phe-- wherein Y and Phe are as defined above, are inhibitors of 5.alpha.-reductase and can be used for the therapeutic treatment of the human and animal body.