Several hormones play key roles in female breast development and function. There isn't one single "female breast hormone," but rather a group of hormones working together. The most important ones are:
- Estrogen: This hormone is crucial for breast development, stimulating the growth of milk ducts and creating side branches to increase milk carrying capacity.
- Progesterone: Works alongside estrogen in breast development and prepares the breasts for potential pregnancy and lactation.
- Prolactin: This hormone is primarily responsible for milk production (lactation) after childbirth.
These three hormones – estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin – are key players in the development and function of the female breast. While other hormones may have indirect influences, these three are central to the process. The term "hormone therapy," frequently used in the context of breast cancer treatment (as evidenced in several provided links referencing hormone therapy for breast cancer), targets these hormones to either reduce or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive breast tumors. This highlights the significant role these hormones play in breast health.
