Which hormone is primarily involved in lactation support?

Prolactin is the hormone primarily involved in supporting lactation. It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in enabling milk production in the mammary glands following the birth of offspring. Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy and are essential for the development of mammary tissue and the initiation of lactation after delivery.

While oxytocin also plays a significant role in lactation, its main function is to trigger the milk ejection reflex (let-down) by causing contraction of the myoepithelial cells around the milk-producing glands, facilitating milk release during breastfeeding.

Testosterone is involved in the development of male characteristics and reproductive functions but does not play a role in lactation. Estrogen, while important in preparing the mammary glands for milk production during pregnancy, does not directly support lactation in the same way prolactin does.

Understanding the specific functions of these hormones clarifies their roles in lactation, reinforcing that prolactin is fundamental for milk synthesis, while oxytocin assists with the actual release of milk during feeding.