accuracy of estradiol/estrone blood tests

Hello. I am taking Arimidex (dx May 2007, IDC, 1 cm., grade 3, negative lymph nodes; had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, chemo, radiation; I was 54 and perimenopausal at time of dx and chemo put me in menopause.) I also now occasionally consult a holistic MD (referred by my oncologist) for nutritional advice. I am thinking of adding a supplement with the arimidex  (broccoli seed extract - a natural aromatase inhibitor) and monitoring estradiol/estrone with blood tests after starting the supplement. If there were a negative interaction between the arimidex and the broccoli seed extract, how accurate would the blood test's estrogen results be? I'm not looking to replace arimidex with the supplement, just use it to enhance the AI effect of arimidex (the supplement works in the liver, not in the adrenals like arimidex).  In addition to the feedback from my oncologist, I would like more professional opinions as well.  If my estradion/estrone blood tests remain low, can I trust that the estrogen results are accurate -- or could there still be an interaction between arimidex and the supplement that the blood test wouldn't show?  If so, how much chance is there of that?

[bluebutterfly2222]

This is not a "professional" opinion as you requested (you'd need to post in the BC Expert Forum for that), but my advice would be not try to augment Arimidex with the broccoli seed extract, which has not been subjected to rigorous research.

Arimidex has been well-researched, and the significant benefit it has been proven to bring in terms of risk reduction for recurrence is based on the use of it alone.

I'd say, "Why mess with success!"

Best wishes...

[bluebutterfly2222]

This is not a "professional" opinion as you requested (you'd need to post in the BC Expert Forum for that), but my advice would be not try to augment Arimidex with the broccoli seed extract, which has not been subjected to rigorous research.

Arimidex has been well-researched, and the significant benefit it has been proven to bring in terms of risk reduction for recurrence is based on the use of it alone.

I'd say, "Why mess with success!"

Best wishes...

[Laurie252]

Thank you for your input.  All best, Laurie252

[bluebutterfly2222]

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do...

bluebutterfly

p.s. Sounds as though most of your factors are associated with a good prognosis, plus you have undergone all the recommended txs, so you may not need all that much "luck."  :-)