For years, KalaLea experiences painful periods that keep her in bed for days at a time. As she tries to figure out what’s happening to her body, she discovers that she has a condition that disproportionately affects Black women. This is the story of how KalaLea listened closely to her own body and made her doctors listen, too.

This week’s story comes from the Bodies podcast. After the show, KalaLea joins Brittany in the studio to share advice on how to better advocate for your own wellness.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS (BODIES)

The beach song was composed by Michael Buishas and Alejandro Salazar and recorded by Lorenzo Wolff. The capoeira music was recorded in Brazil by Soufian Aaraichi with Mestre Sapoti. Additional music from Audio Network and meditation sounds by C. Meeson. 

Cover artwork by Sarah Bachman. Episode art by Kathy Farthing.

RELATED LINKS

• To listen to more episodes of Bodies, check out the KCRW show page
• Join the Bodies Facebook group 
• If you like Bodies, subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• If you're on Twitter, follow Bodies, host Allison Behringer, and this episode's producer, KalaLea.