Leuprolide was first approved by the FDA for treatment of advanced prostate cancer in 1985. Subsequent variations have been developed by various manufacturers to treat a range of other conditions, including endometriosis and precocious puberty.
It was first suggested as a treatment for inappropriate sexual behaviours in autistic people by Realmuto and Ruble in 1999.
It was then suggested as a treatment for a wide range of other problems in autistic people by M.R. Geir and D.A. Geir in 2005.