This invention relates to .alpha.-glucosides of steroids containing hydroxy groups in both the 16.alpha.- and 17-positions and the method for preparing them by reacting with a polysaccharide or an oligosaccharide, such as maltose, in the presence of a source of the enzyme: amylase or transglucosylase. The .alpha.-glucosides are new compounds that possess estrogenic activity. They may be used, therefore, as antifertility agents.
