I had read "start early stop late" as well but that didn't happem with me. I started my period around 8 1/2 (yes very early - it scared me to death - I thought I was dying when it started) and stopped at exactly age 50 (two months before my 51 birthday). I was always like clockwork, had a easy period (usually flow was 3 - 4 days), seldom had PMS and menopause was brief. I did have hot flashes for a year (about 6 months before stopping and 6 month after). I don't regret ever stopping my period. Life is just so much easier!!!! All in all had a period around 42 years... a long time!