Hi mintypeas
![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
from me too!
So sorry to hear about your menopausal issues - commonly felt by many of us so you're in good company and we can help support you.
I agree with CLKD that your first GP was out of order!! You say you are suffering from flushes now anyway - sometimes they don't come on straight away for some women - that was the case for me - mine only started when I'd been without a period for a few months. If you are getting any menopausal symptoms at all and are over 45 and especially if you have regularly skipped periods and had long gaps between them then you are deemed to be peri-menopausal. Blood tests are not necessary to determine this - although if they have offered to do a full blood tests ie blood count, liver function , vitamins, thyroid and the whole caboodle as well as sex hormones - I wouldn't turn it down as it's good to have a baseline for future reference and to check that all is well with your body generally.
Doctors are no longer supposed to prescribe anti-depressants to women with anxiety symptoms and mood swings if they are going through peri-menopause and have no history of depression! The first line of treatment is HRT!
I know what you mean about the kids - teenagers can be difficult and certainly don't want to know about menopause. If it is a girl though - perhaps you could mention as she will also have her hormonal ups and downs from periods. Your five year old - I presume you just say at some times that you are not feeling very well?
It is so important to allow yourself to grieve properly especially for the loss of a parent - even if the grieving process is not obvious and outward like tears. Hopefully this will help you.
Do keep posting and let us know what you decide and how you get on at the doctors.
Hurdity x