I'm 9 and going to be 10 I have pain in my lower back and cramps

Okay, so back pain and cramps can totally be a sign that your period might be getting ready to show up, even if you're not seeing blood yet. Lots of girls get these feelings before their period actually starts, and sometimes even a year or two before their first period.

What it feels like

Your body does so much work to get ready for a period, and sometimes that can cause pain. It's like your uterus is practicing, or getting things moving. It might feel like a dull ache in your lower belly or back, or sometimes a sharper squeeze. Everyone is different, and some people feel it more than others.

What to do about it

If you're feeling crampy or have back pain, you can try a few things to feel better. A heating pad can feel super good on your belly or back, or you can take a warm bath. Light exercise, like walking, sometimes helps too. And if it's really bothering you, talking to your grown-up about taking some pain medicine made for cramps can be a good idea. That's what I do sometimes!

If you're curious about when your first period might arrive, there's a quiz on this site that can give you a better idea: how close is my first period?