I was recently discussing this with a close friend. She was 42 when she went through menopause (stopped having periods), and in her 30's she was perimenopausal. I don't think the 40's is unusual.
I was 53 when I stopped having periods, but definitely experienced perimenopause at least 6 years prior. I have read that for many women 12-15 years is not unusual (from peri- to full menopause). I'm 56 and still have an occasional hot flash. It's like my body still isn't completely through full menopause.
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