What hormone helps trigger and maintain lactation?

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for triggering and maintaining lactation in mammals. It plays a crucial role in enabling the mammary glands to produce milk. After childbirth, the levels of prolactin increase, stimulating the alveoli in the mammary tissue to produce milk, making it essential for successful breastfeeding. Additionally, prolactin works in conjunction with other hormones to ensure that milk production continues as the newborn suckles, thereby reinforcing the lactation process.

Estrogen, oxytocin, and testosterone have different roles in the body. Estrogen assists in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and supports reproductive functions. Oxytocin plays a significant role in the milk ejection reflex, promoting the release of milk during breastfeeding but does not directly trigger lactation itself. Testosterone is primarily an androgen responsible for male traits and reproductive functions, not related to lactation. This highlights the unique and critical role of prolactin in the lactation process.