Human Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland ? a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain ? to fuel childhood growth and help maintain tissues and organs throughout life. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces. This natural slowdown has prompted an interest in the use of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age. hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age.