A Sandbach woman is throwing the spotlight on the menopause in a bid to help scores of women suffering from the debilitating symptoms.

Registered nutritionist and performance practitioner, Megan Sims has devised a six-week help programme to conquer the effects.

Megan says there are over 30 documented symptoms from weight gain, anxiety and depression to brittle bones - and there's no need to suffer in silence.

For she says with some changes to lifestyle and diet the impact of the symptoms can be lessened and she is launching the Menopause Support Group on Monday (January 16th).

Megan, who has a Masters in Nutrition, noticed her 52-year-old mum wasn't herself and started looking at ways she could help.

She used her health knowledge to look at ways of helping her mum change her lifestyle to combat the symptoms

And now she wants to pass on her expert knowledge to others and help them get feel better.

"There are over 30 documented symptoms," says Megan. "There are different stages of the menopause and women experience different symptoms.

"It's about managing those symptoms and adapting your lifestyle accordingly."

Megan, 29, is hoping women signing up for the her six-week programme will be then be equipped with help to guide them through the rest of the menopause.

And she also hopes that women can find support with others in the group and help each other.

"When you feel alone it can be really isolating. Small changes can make a huge difference and being with others in a similar situation also helps."

Week one will look at creating lasting lifestyle changes, habits and routines, week two bone health, week three celebrating a new you, weight four how to work with your body to lose unwanted weight during peri-menopause, week five, cardiovascular health and high cholesterol and week six, mindfulness and mental health.

Megan, a keen swimmer, also exercises in her home gym.

Megan has a Facebook page offering help and advice https://www.facebook.com/MeganReYou

Women wanting to join the six-week programme, which costs £5 a session and takes place every other Monday from 6 pm until 7 pm at Sandbach library can email [email protected] or call 07872 456665