A leuprolide stimulation test is done to determine a child's stage of puberty.
The test may be done when it is suspected that a child is entering puberty too soon, or when a child has late puberty.
The leuprolide stim test is done by giving a medication called Leuprolide Acetate by injection into the fatty tissue just under the skin. Blood is drawn 1-3 times after the medication is given to measure hormone levels at different times. An IV catheter is placed in a vein and a small amount of blood is drawn to measure these hormone levels. The IV catheter is then removed and the child goes home.
Placement of the IV catheter and the injection of medication is slightly painful, but is done quickly.
