Women who have had both ovaries removed will go through menopause early. If the uterus is taken out but the ovaries are left, a woman won't have periods but she won't go through menopause until her ovaries stop making estrogen. If you stop having periods, your doctor can do a simple blood test to see if you're going through menopause. Menopause is a gradual process that can take several years. You're not really through menopause until you haven't had a period for 6 to 12 months.
Some women just stop having periods.
This is one of the first signs of menopause. You may skip periods or they may occur closer together. Your flow may be lighter or heavier than usual. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes may start before you notice any change in your periods.