Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other animals.

Growth hormone can be generally described as anabolic (building up) and has a variety of functions in the body including: Stimulates the increase in height in childhood; Stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1; Increases calcium retention, and strengthens and increases the mineralization of bone; Increases muscle mass; Promotes lipolysis (breakdown of fat); Increases protein synthesis; Stimulates the growth of all internal organs excluding the brain; Plays a role in fuel homeostasis (balance and regulation); Reduces liver uptake of glucose; Promotes gluconeogenesis in the liver; Contributes to the maintenance and function of pancreatic islets--cells which produce insulin; Stimulates the immune system.

References

e.g., Daniels, M.E. (1992). "Lilly's Humatrope Experience". Nature Biotechnology 10: 812.