1,3-Dihydroxy-8.alpha.-estratrienes of the formula ##SPC1## Wherein R is lower-alkyl and --A--B is ##SPC2## Wherein R' is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group and R" is lower-alkyl, aralkyl or phenyl, and the esters and ethers thereof, possess strong vaginotropic but only weak utertropic activity and are useful in the treatment of estrogenic deficiency conditions where uteral effects are not desired.