Which of the followings is NOT a function of estrogen in female?

Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones, primarily estradiol, that regulate the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. They exert their effects by binding to nuclear receptors to influence gene transcription in target tissues. These hormones are responsible for secondary sexual characteristics and play a complex role in the menstrual cycle. However, lactation and milk production are primarily regulated by different endocrine pathways involving pituitary hormones. Rationale: A. Essential for milk synthesis is the correct answer because this function is performed by prolactin, not estrogen. While estrogen prepares the breast tissue during pregnancy, high levels of estrogen actually inhibit the action of prolactin on the mammary glands. Milk synthesis only occurs effectively after the estrogen levels drop significantly following the delivery of the placenta after childbirth. B. Estrogen is critical to establish fetal sexual characteristics during intrauterine development. It influences the differentiation of the female internal and external genitalia in the absence of the SRY gene and testosterone. Therefore, it is a fundamental hormone for embryonic morphogenesis of the female phenotype. This is a recognized biological function and thus not the "not" answer. C. Estrogen is essential for the maturation of the ovarian follicle during the follicular phase. As the follicle grows, it secretes increasing amounts of estradiol, which provides necessary feedback for further follicular development. This hormone ensures the oocyte reaches maturity prior to the mid-cycle surge. Without estrogen, the physiological progression of the follicle would be arrested. D. Estrogen contributes significantly to breast development during puberty and pregnancy. It promotes the growth of the ductal system and the deposition of adipose tissue within the mammary glands. This is a primary secondary sex characteristic driven by systemic estrogen levels. Since this is a standard function of the hormone, it does not fit the "NOT" criteria. E. Estrogen is essential for the release of the ovum because it triggers the LH surge. When estrogen levels reach a critical threshold, the feedback mechanism switches from negative to positive on the anterior pituitary. This surge in luteinizing hormone is the direct trigger for ovulation. Thus, estrogen is a prerequisite for the release of the mature egg.