Which hormone is primarily responsible for breast milk production?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Prolactin
• C. Oxytocin
• D. Progesterone

Answer: (B)

Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for breast milk production. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in lactation by stimulating the mammary glands to produce milk. During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone help prepare the breasts for lactation, but it is prolactin that directly initiates and maintains milk synthesis after childbirth.

While oxytocin is involved in the milk ejection reflex—triggering the release of milk during breastfeeding—it does not play a direct role in the production of milk itself. Estrogen and progesterone are important for breast development and preparing the breast for lactation, but again, it is prolactin that is key for the actual production of milk. Therefore, recognizing the distinct functions of these hormones is essential in understanding the physiological processes related to lactation.