Menopause begins at varying times. On average it begins at or around 52. Preceding this is a period of time called perimenopause where your hormones can fluctuate wildly and your periods can become infrequent, light or very heavy. I spent a good 7yrs in perimenopause and am now in my first year of menopause and I am 47yo. You are not in menopause until you have not had a period for two years.
menopause starts a 50 in most women