A process is described for the preparation of drospirenone, a syntheticsteroid with progestogenic, antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity,useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions with contraceptive action;comprising the oxidation of 17.alpha.-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6.beta., 7.beta.,15.beta., 16.beta.-dimethylene-5.beta.-androstane- 3.beta. , 5, 17.beta. -triol.