Have I become menopausal?

I am 49. My periods have been pretty regular for the last 15 years say. Recently have been getting very very heavy and now am late to have one (no chance of pregs by the way). One day only I had about 10 mins of cramps. Does this happen with the menopause? I also am pretty sure I'm having hot flushes that last about 4 mins? My elder sister has gone onto HRT. Do you still get periods if you take HRT and if you dont go on it will you grow a mustache etc?