Age 52 - Last period at 51 - First symptoms at 48

In hindsight, for the last few years I have experienced moodiness, emotional reactivity and overpowering tiredness - I thought I had chronic fatigue. My memory got really bad. I lost words, I would forget what I was doing all the time to the point where I thought I was getting dementia. Just last week I learned it's likely all menopause! So, I am still relatively ignorant, joined support groups but have not seen a doctor yet. So far as I was aware, menopause only caused hot flushes, of which I started getting 12 months ago. 

After ovarian cancer & surgery last year, the hospital gynaecologist had told me I couldn't have HRT after cancer but that I should be over menopause in 6 months - I've since learned more about surgical menopause and that it can last longer. I'm so glad to know what's wrong with me, feeling positive there's hope! And my physical symptoms of joint / body pain that I assumed were chemo hangover now can be accounted for. 

Aspect that's taken the biggest toll on me is the volatility of my emotions. Not necessarily anger, but sadness, anxiety, etc, has taken its toll on my family. My family is supportive. Don't have friends that live close & been in the 'too hard basket' to leave the house unless absolutely necessary. 

What could have made a difference? Being educated about this earlier - no one talks about it. My mum & other older women who did mention it, had no symptoms aside from hot flushes. Another thing that would make a difference is access to a good doctor, I live in a rural area so it is extra difficult to find a good GP.