But PE is so much fun and I still want to do volleyball and basketball but it's hard with bad cramps even though I don't have my period yet

Okay so it sounds like you're having cramps even before your first period, and that's totally a thing that can happen! Sometimes your body just starts doing a little test run of what's to come, and that can include cramps. It's like your uterus is practicing its moves before the big show.

Lots of kids get cramps that feel like dull aches or even sharp pains in their lower belly or back. It's totally normal to feel them before your period actually starts. It doesn't mean anything is wrong, just that your body is getting ready for changes. You might even notice other things happening too, like breast development or discharge, which are also signs your body is heading towards its first period.

If the cramps are really bothering you, it's okay to try a heating pad on your tummy, or even ask a grown-up if you can take some pain medicine, like ibuprofen. Just make sure to check with them first! And definitely keep doing your volleyball and basketball. Staying active can actually help with cramps sometimes, and it's super important to keep doing the things you love. Your body is doing a lot of work right now, so be kind to it, and don't be afraid to take a break if you need to. If the cramps are so bad you can't do anything, or they literally make you feel sick, it's a good idea to talk to a trusted adult about it, just to make sure everything's okay.