The invention relates to the use of compounds to treat a number of conditions, such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia or the delayed effects of radiation therapy. Compounds that can be used in the invention include methyl-2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-O-(7,17-dioxoandrost-5 -ene-3β-yl)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronate, 16α,3α-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one or 3,7,16,17 -tetrahydroxyandrost-5-ene, 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrost-4-ene, 3,7,16,17 -tetrahydroxyandrost-1-ene or 3,7,16,17-tetrahydroxyandrostane that can be used in the treatment method.