The whole purpose of these things is really to make milk to feed babies. We have given them other functions in our society, but basically they are glands
They are well designed, because they only produce milk when there is a need, at the end of a pregnancy. They are functioning in response to certain hormones which increase in pregnancy, like prolactin. Occasionally
pregnancy should be investigated by a doctor.
When the breasts are working to plan, the prolactin stimulates milk production. There arc other things which contribute to maintaining production and flow of milk, like the stimulation of nipple sucking, which happens when a baby feeds. Breast feeding can act to keep higher levels of prolactin around, and can continue for weeks, months or years.
The breast tissue also responds to hormones other than prolactin. During the menstrual cycle there are varying amounts of oestrogen and progesterone around. This can affect the breast tissue. Some women notice changes in the size and consistency, and sometimes discomfort in their breasts during a cycle, or if they arc on the oral contraceptive pill. The first few weeks of pregnancy are usually associated with breast swelling and discomfort due to the change of hormones.
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