13α-Estrone and some of its 3-ethers were subjected to aromatic halogenations.

The substituent on C-3 greatly affected the chemo- and the regioselectivity.

Some of the novel compounds proved to be potent against human 17β-HSD1 in vitro.

Mono- and bis-iodo derivatives in the 3-OH series exerted substantial inhibition.

The 4-halo-substituted 3-methyl ethers effectively suppressed the E1–E2 conversion.