Menopausal on the cusp of turning 50?

[ExileinGuyville]

My last period was in January, just before my 49th birthday. I am hopeful this is the end of it as it has been really unpredictable for about five years. I read online that the timeframe for considering yourself through it is two years without a period before 50 and one year after 50. What happens when you're teetering on the brink of 50?

I read online that the timeframe for considering yourself through it is two years without a period before 50 and one year after 50.

Are you confusing this with contraception? Because otherwise what you have read doesn't actually make sense :)

The definition of menopause is 1 year without a period. This can happen at any age.

www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/menopause/what-is-the-menopause

You need to use contraception for 2 years before age 50 if you are menopausal and 1 year after. Just in case your ovaries have a spare egg they decide to release.