What hormone does the pituitary gland produce that is responsible for stimulating milk production?

The hormone responsible for stimulating milk production is prolactin, which is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Prolactin plays a critical role in lactation, as it promotes the development of mammary glands and the production of milk following childbirth. This hormone is essential for nursing mothers, as it helps ensure that milk is produced in response to the suckling of the infant.

In contrast, luteinising hormone (LH) is primarily involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is crucial for the development of ovarian follicles and sperm production. Oxytocin, although important in the process of childbirth and is involved in milk ejection during breastfeeding, does not stimulate milk production itself. Hence, prolactin is uniquely positioned as the key hormone for initiating and maintaining milk production.