Genentech: Understanding Human Growth Hormone

Understanding Growth Hormone (HGH) Human growth hormone (hGH or GH) is a protein produced in the body that's important not only during childhood but also throughout adulthood. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, which is known as the "master gland" because it secretes many hormones that control the actions of other glands. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland to produce GH, which then travels through the bloodstream to function in other parts of the body