My mother passed away much too young so I can't get her input on this, but what is the average age people stop having their periods.  How can you tell if it is nearing that stage, my periods are different from when I was younger, but I am ready for them to be over! 

that the average age is 52. 

thank goodness im all done.  i stopped my period when i turned 52.   same as my mum.

It varies.  For some it can end in the late forties and some have even had it happen in the late fifties.  I feared I was going to be one of them.  Mine recently ended and I'm 55, and these changes began roughly when I was about 45.  My mother and aunt both had hysterectomies in their thirties so I had nothing to go by.  As has been stated, it seems the average age is about 52.  Your doctor might be able to give a better idea by taking in account your symptoms and doing blood tests to see where your estrogen/progestrogene (sp.) levels are at.  Other than that, it's a guessing game.

not quite the same thing from what I understand.  Its all hormone related of course.  But what I have heard is periods can end - yet woman still has the other symptoms - ie hot flashes or mood swings or even acne.  Many women have surgical procedures - whether its a hysterectomy, an ablation or ? to end the 'period' aspect, but ovaries remain for hormone production.  I was visiting a friend yesterday - who has been having the hot flashes since she was 45... and she's nearly 60. Doctor can as others have said above do some blood work to check out hormones & that will give an indication about where you may be in terms of menopause.

I had a partial hysterectomy when I was 38 for fibroids.  I started hot flashes about 48 and they haven't quit.  I get the zits occasionally still too and I'm 59.

I did not have another menstrual period after that age.  However, I still get got flashes and pms to this day 8 years later sometimes. None of it is as severe as when the hormones were fully in gear, but it still discouragiing sometimes. 

I really do feel for he ladies who only wish they are where I am now though.