I am 47 and for the past 2 years have had very slight, light, 1-2 day periods. My doc says that it's not considered "real" menopause unless you go for at least 6 months with NO bleeding at all. I mean, he considers even one small drop as a period. I am already going through hot flashes and mood swings so I don't know if I have much farther to go, but I did get my hormones checked and it said I was in "early menopause" so I guess I am omw...LOL.