I was 56 when I had my last period and they stayed regular right up to the last one though they did get a bit heavier in the last few months and the only symptom I had was getting a bit warm in the evenings. Other problems such as flushes, night sweats and anxiety came in the 12 months following and have stayed ever since. Now 9 years on the flushes are less than they were, I am not on HRT but do take a low dose AD for the anxiety.Someone once told me(can't remember who) that a late menopause protects the heart and bones for longer, due to still producing oestrogen I suppose.
Everyone is just so different at this stage of life.
Thorntrees