I can't remember where i copied this from, possibly it's somewhere on this forum.
"GPs were so reluctant to accept that the early symptoms could be associated with menopause if not accompanied by irregular periods. Digestive issues like nausea and bloating, psychological issues like anxiety and mood swings, general issues like fatigue, all seen as normal parts of middle age, but never why they are so common amongst women at a time when the hormone levels are beginning to change, period flow and duration are changing, but periods are still regular."
Exactly what happened to me 10 years ago. Offered prescriptions for amitriptyline and gabapentin by gp. The practice nurse knew better though, and she told me that a lot of women were telling the gp that they were having hot flushes even though they weren't, so they'd be allowed to try hrt.