Sex steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and compounds converted in vivo to ether of the foregoing, are utilized for the treatment and/or prevention of vaginal atrophy, hyprogonadism, diminished libido, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, skin atrophy, for contraception, and, in combination with an estrogen and/or progestin, for the treatment of menopause. The precursors may be formulated for percutaneous or transmucosal administration. Gels, solutions, lotions, creams, ointments and transdermal patches for the administration of these precursors are provided, as are certain pharmaceutical compositions and kits which can be used for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of conditions related to decreased secretion of sex steroid precursors by the adrenals.