A process for preparing 17alpha-hydroxy-6alpha-methylpregn- 4-en-20-one by dehydration of 5alpha,17alpha-dihydroxy-20-ethylenedio xy-6beta-methylpregnan-3-o- ne to give 17alpha-hydroxy-20-ethylenedio xy-6alpha-methylpregn-4-en-3-one and then reducing the 3-keto group and hydrolysing the ketal to give the required compound. - Economic process for prep. of oral contraceptive agent.