I am almost 47 and still getting a period every month that last 4 or 5 days. I get hot flashes and they are much heavier than they were before I had kids. so I think I'm in peri or pre menopause. My gynecologist told me 50-53 is about the average give or take a few years younger or older. My mother had premature menopause at 39 so I feel fortunate in that respect, but I'm pretty ready for menopause.