Dawnsmith - welcome to MM
Your story is awful - you have had such erratic treatment and that first doctor was completely negligent. You clearly suffered with Post Natal Depression which is hormone related and even back then this was well researched and very treatable so it's terrible you were not given appropriate treatment.
Some of your symptoms could be hormone related but I expect by now you are very post menopause - when was your last period?
I wouldn't use the progesterone cream - progesterone can actually bring low mood and anxiety, so not the best idea to use this. I am sceptical about food intolerences - this is a modern fad and unless you have proper allergy testing through a medical specialist (not an alternative therapist) you really shouldn't cut anything out of your diet.
Do see a proper nutritionist who will advice about a healthy, well balanced, diet instead. Testing for vitamin D deficiency is a good idea, as low mood etc. are symptoms of a lack of Vitamin D. We should all take Vit D in winter due to the lack of sunshine.
I think you need to go back to your GP with all your symptoms and questions written down. Take your husband with you for back up and ask for a complete review of your treatment options. Unfortunately hormones can only do so much - HRT could be a option for you but they may be reluctant to try this if you are many years past your last period. HRT can also bring side effects that may not help at this stage. An SRRI could be worth trying and learning some CBT or Mindful Meditation can be very helpful - so the counselling is a good idea.
I would ask for a another full thyroid function test and also to look at Vitamin D and B12 deficiency. It's often simple lifestyle strategies that can be the best help.
I hope this is helpful - Dg x
