WEST FIFE women are being offered relief from menopause symptoms through a specially-designed yoga workshop.

Agnieszka Musko put on her first session for 12 participants at the end of November and is hoping to help women across the area.

"There seems to be a great need for women at this stage of life to be seen, heard and have spaces to meet and find help and support," she explained.

"I started to have symptoms that menopause gives me big time. I found out about a lady from London who does specific menopausal yoga. After graduating, I signed up for teacher training for menopausal yoga. I sat on it for about a year as I didn't want to do it online so very lately I have done my first workshop."

Agnieszka, who is originally from Poland and now lives in Dalgety Bay, already holds regular yoga classes and plans to put on sessions for women in the peri- and menopause stage of life.

"Basically, it is a simple formula which I follow. It always starts with a women's circle where they can all share their feelings and stories of whatever they want, menopause-related," she said.

"It gives the women the space. I feel it is much easer to talk to people who are at the same stage of life. Sometimes, it is easier to talk with almost strangers than even with your friends.

"Then after that, it is the yoga. I would love to have it on a more regular basis but for now it is really difficult to get the word out there.

"The yoga classes are very specific. The sequences are geared to alleviate certain symptoms of menopause. It can be energising or calming down or for hot flushes or for brain fog.

"In one workshop, I would target a general idea or one specific symptom or maybe two. Let's say anxiety and brain fog. Everyone has them but they may be different in the way we have them to a certain degree.

"They can then take the idea away and it is a slow mode so it sinks in. People can do it at home and I am only an email or facebook message away and am more than happy to help if there are any questions."

Information on HRT and holistic treatments are also available at the sessions, which take place at Studio 72 on Aberdour High Street.

"I am planning the next session for January 29. You don't have to do yoga six days a week to see the benefits. Even if you do it once or twice a week, you already start to see the benefits.

"Especially for women at this age, it make our mind a bit different. You maybe drink less, start eating healthier, it just starts to take over. It is so good for the mind."

Anyone wanting to find out more can search for Shiva Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yin Yoga on Facebook.