Periods usually starts between the ages of 8 and 13. Period will likely begin around 2-3 years after you first notice breast/chest development. Many women usually know their menstrual cycle and predict when their normal organizing process will begin. A normal cycle is 25 to 38 days. You can find out by keeping a record of the period from the day your menstruation begins to the day it next begins. Some women also experience Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) before menstruation. PMS has a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. Medications and lifestyle modifications can reduce symptoms.