What hormone is responsible for stimulating milk production?

Prolactin is the hormone specifically responsible for stimulating milk production in mammals. It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in the development of mammary glands and the initiation of lactation following childbirth. Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy, preparing the breast tissue for milk production, and they continue to be elevated during breastfeeding to maintain milk supply.

Oxytocin, although related to lactation, primarily functions in the ejection of milk from the mammary glands rather than its production. ADH (antidiuretic hormone) regulates water balance in the body and has no direct role in lactation. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) mainly stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and is not involved in milk production. Thus, the focus on prolactin emphasizes its unique and direct role in promoting lactation.