Muscle as medicine: an autoethnographic study of coping with polycystic ovarian syndrome through strength training

Abstract

How can women who are coping with a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis and subsequent illness management overcome the emotional tensions that arise? I propose that through strength training, a stereotypically masculine activity, women can re-gain a sense of femininity that is lost while living with the symptoms of this condition. Framing strength training as medicine can give women with PCOS a sense of control and empowerment while dealing with a chronic condition that often leaves women feeling powerless, as there is neither cure nor explicit cause. In this article, I use autoethnography to describe the lived experience of the initial diagnosis, illness disclosure to others, navigation of health information and self-management of the condition, while unpacking the feelings of guilt, self-pity, anger and lack of control that arise. This study adds a sociological perspective to the predominantly medical and psychologically focused literature on PCOS, giving an in-depth voice to this condition. While framing ‘muscle as medicine’ can have positive implications, I argue that that an ‘exercise is medicine’ framework can be overly agentic and lose sight of opportunity structures and larger social forces that shape a person’s ability to metaphorically self-medicate in this way.

Keywords:

• PCOS
• exercise
• strength training
• gender
• autoethnography

Acknowledgements

My sincerest thank you to my husband, for his unwavering support and listening ear.