Hi,Dreamyeyes...
Wow, you've had a bad time of it havnt you! What that must've been like I can't comprehend at such an early age.....I'm so soo sorry.....
Like what Foxylady says, go to your GP and get referred off to a menopause clinic, or specialist..
There are more HRTs available now, and they might suite you....your probably about 56/57 ? So if I were you I'd definitely get down the docs and get this sorted ASAP....you've been suffering long enough. The joint pains are a mixture of both probably, and you don't deserve to have that on top of everything else, especially looking after a three year old...
The anxiety is a symptom of menopause, and if you take a look, we have an anxiety support thread, which discusses everything about the dreaded anxiety and depression......you have my sympathy Dreamy, you've been through hell, and if your GP refuses you a referral, go see the practice manager and make a complaint! .....you deserve treatment.
Good luck, plz keep posting and let us know how your doing.....we're here to help if we can....xxxx