I've read that smokers go thru menopause earlier ..if that has any bearing here, im not sure. My "lady problems" have lead me to do some online research and it seems 45 to 60 could be considered "normal" ..how's that for a range!!?? 15 years. Sounds to me like there is no "normal"
I'm 46, by actually having blood work done, my hormones tested as NOT being in menopause, but I do have night sweats and the odd hot flash (could be perimenopause?) I'm convinced that menopause is very much a personal thing .. as in, don't compare yourself to your friends, or even female relatives... but ymmv.