The 'Divergent' actress opens up about a mysterious health issue that plagued her early 20s, detailing her ordeal and highlighting the importance of holistic health and mental well-being.
- Sep 25, 2024
AceShowbiz - Shailene Woodley, known for her role in the "Divergent" film franchise, revealed the harrowing experience of dealing with a mysterious health issue during her early 20s. The actress, now 32, shared her journey on the "SHE MD" podcast, recounting the debilitating symptoms that took over her life while filming the dystopian series.
Woodley described numerous physical afflictions, "I was losing my hearing. I couldn't walk for longer than five minutes at a time without having to lay down for hours and hours and hours and sleep. Everything I ate hurt my stomach."
She remained reticent about the root cause, citing personal reasons for not disclosing specific details. Despite eating healthily and staying active, she suffered from a range of conditions including hypothyroidism, frequent fainting, and severe menstrual complications.
Her quest for answers led her to consult various healthcare professionals, both traditional and holistic. "One doctor being like, 'It's probably endometriosis.' And another doctor going, 'It's probably this.' And another one going, 'It's probably that.' 'You have a tilted uterus. You have a heart-shaped uterus.' Every person I went to was giving me mixed information," she explained.
Over the course of a decade, Woodley invested in understanding her body and symptoms, ultimately resolving her health issues through a combination of traditional and holistic approaches. "I'm not on thyroid medication anymore. I'm not on any medication anymore. My hormones are so balanced. Everything is pumping in the way that it should," she shared.
The physical ailments also had significant mental repercussions. Woodley detailed how the constant physical pain led to psychological struggles, including food-related fears, body dysmorphia, and identity confusion. This period also forced her to confront underlying trauma and PTSD. "It forced me to really take a deep look and become introspective," she said, acknowledging the dual journey of physical and mental healing.
Her candid revelations underscore the importance of considering holistic health approaches and the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. "A lot of the last few years has been about focusing on mental health for me," Woodley noted, emphasizing the slow yet crucial process of mental and emotional healing.
Fans may remember Woodley for her compelling portrayal of Beatrice Prior in "Divergent", "Insurgent", and "Allegiant". Her experience adds another layer to her resilience both on and off the screen, as she continues to address and overcome the challenges posed by her health.