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G GENITO URINARY SYSTEM AND SEX HORMONES
G03 SEX HORMONES AND MODULATORS OF THE GENITAL SYSTEM

Other hormones, see H - Systemic hormonal preparations, excl. sex hormones and insulins.
Sex hormones used only in the treatment of neoplastic diseases (often selected strengths) are classified in L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents.

The DDDs of many of the hormone preparations may vary considerably with the route of administration due to substantial differences in bioavailability. The DDDs of depot preparations are calculated as the dose divided by the dosing interval.


G03A HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE

This group comprises hormonal preparations, which are used as contraceptives. Similar hormonal preparations, which are used for the treatment of e.g. menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularities, are classified in G03F.
Combinations of cyproterone and estrogen also used as contraceptives are, however, classified in G03HB.
Intravaginal and intrauterine devices containing hormones are classified in G02B.
Transdermal patches for contraception are classified here.

The DDDs are based on use as contraceptives.
The DDDs of combined preparations of estrogen and progestogen and plain progestogen products are based on use in menstrual cycles of 28 days. Thus, the DDD is 0.75 and 1 UD for 21 and 28 tablets cycle package, respectively. The same principle is used for transdermal patches.
For the 24 tablets cycle packages the DDD is based on continuous use for 120 days and a 4-days tablet free interval. Thus, the DDD is 0.967 UD.
The DDDs for preparations only used in postcoital contraception are based on the course dose.

G03B ANDROGENS

Anabolic steroids, see A14A. Norethandrolone, which has both anabolic and androgenic effects, is classified in A14A since the anabolic effect is considered to be the most important effect.
This group comprises male sex hormones. Combined preparations are included in this group, except combinations with female sex hormones, which are classified in G03E - Androgens and female sex hormones in combination.
The group is subdivided according to chemical structure.

The DDDs are based on use in substitution therapy in male hypogonadism. The DDDs for patches (e.g. testosterone) are given in amount delivered.

G03C ESTROGENS

This group comprises estrogens and combinations, except combinations with
- androgens, see G03E
- progestogens, see G03F
- antiandrogens, see G03HB
Hormonal contraceptives, see G03A.
Estrogens used only in neoplastic diseases, see L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents.

The DDDs are based on systemic use in postmenopausal estrogen substitution therapy and in the treatment of premenstrual ailments. However, for some preparations for vaginal administration the DDDs are based on local treatment.
The DDDs for transdermal preparations are based on the amount of active ingredient delivered per 24 hours and the number of days each patch is used.

G03D PROGESTOGENS

This group comprises progestogens and combinations, except combinations with
- androgens, see G03E
- estrogens, see G03F
Hormonal contraceptives, see G03A
IUDs (intrauterine dervices) with progestogens, see G02BA.
Progestogens only used in neoplastic diseases, see L - Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents.
The group is subdivided according to chemical structure.

The DDDs are based on gynecological indications, for instance corpus luteum insufficiency and endometriosis.

G03E ANDROGENS AND FEMALE SEX HORMONES IN COMBINATION

This group comprises preparations with androgen and estrogen and/or progestogen. The preparations are classified at 5th levels according to the androgen.

The DDDs are based on the treatment of climacterical ailments.

G03F PROGESTOGENS AND ESTROGENS IN COMBINATION

This group comprises combined preparations used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, menstrual irregularities etc.
Hormonal contraceptives, see G03A.

The DDDs for combined preparations of estrogens and progestogens are based on use in postmenopausal substitution therapy in cycles of 28 days. Thus, the DDD is 0.75 and 1 UD for 21 and 28 tablets cycle packages, respectively.

G03G GONADOTROPINS AND OTHER OVULATION STIMULANTS

The DDDs are based on the initial treatment of anovulation.

G03H ANTIANDROGENS
G03X OTHER SEX HORMONES AND MODULATORS OF THE GENITAL SYSTEM

This group comprises drugs modifying the genital functions, which cannot be classified in the preceding groups.
Tibolone is classified in G03DC.

Last updated: 2024-01-26