Andrea writes:
> I was asked today if a transsexual (male to female) can lactate, and if
> merely pumping will induce it or if hormonal therapy is required.  <

I'm not speaking from any actual experience with this situation, but it
seems to me that the answer would be "yes, this person could lactate". I'm
basing this on "witch's milk" - the milk produced in less than 5% of newborn
babies [both male and female] that can persist up to 2 months of age. These
babies can actually develop mastitis as well. This breast development and
subsequent milk production occurs in response to maternal hormones.

My understanding is that transsexuals do receive supplementary hormones to
produce and in some cases maintain those physical characteristics that we
associate with being of one gender or the other.

Gail S. Hertz, MD, IBCLC
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