I don’t have my period yet and my back hurts like a lot like most of the day. Does this have anything to do with my period coming or do I just need to stretch more?

Okay so yeah, back pain can totally be a sign that your period is getting ready to show up, or even just that your body is changing and growing. It's not just a 'stretch more' thing sometimes!

What's happening in your body

Before your period, your body makes these tiny chemical messengers called prostaglandins. They make your uterus cramp, and sometimes those cramps can feel like they're spreading to your back, or even your legs. Also, your hormones are doing all sorts of things before your period starts, and sometimes that can make your muscles feel a little achy or tired. It's kind of like your body is getting ready for a big event and doing a lot of work behind the scenes.

What you can do about it

First, try some gentle stretches anyway! It can't hurt. A warm bath or a heating pad on your lower back can also feel super nice and help relax your muscles. Drinking lots of water is also a good idea because sometimes dehydration can make aches worse. If it's really bothering you, you can ask a grown-up if you can take some pain medicine, like ibuprofen, but always check with them first. It's all about finding what makes your body feel better.

If the back pain is really bad, like it makes it hard to do normal stuff, or if you also have a fever or feel sick, definitely tell a trusted grown-up. They can help you figure out if it's just normal body stuff or if something else is going on. You can also check out our quiz to see if your first period might be close: how close is my first period?