Can menopause begin at 44 and can you all of a sudden stop having your periods.

All women are different in the way menopause affects them aqnd when it begins.
I started menopause when I was 36, by 40 I was done. Other friends of mine over 50 are still going strong and haven't begun menopause yet.

When you say, 'can you all of a sudden stop having your periods", when menopause starts, your periods can become very erratic, -- the 28 day rule goes out the window, they can come very frequently (weekly/fortnightly) or not come for a few weeks/months.

How long ago was the last period.

What are, if any other symptom are you experiencing.

Could you be pregnant?

If you are not sure I would suggest talking to your doctor.

The average age of menopause in the US is 51. Note I said average, it can come earlier for some women and later for others.

Typically we say that if a woman does not have a period in one year she is in menopause.

How long has it been since you have had a period? Is there a chance you are pregnant?

Be sure to take plenty of folic acid & calcium my mother in law is going through this right now and she is a walking terrior. Her's suddlenly stopped after a triple bi-pass oddly enough she's 45.
My own mom is a bit older and she has not experienced any signs yet of menopause
Best of luck to you