Perimenopause Symptoms: Fatigue, Irritability & Sleep Issues

Fatigue, irritability, and sleeplessness are increasingly recognized as potential symptoms of perimenopause, a transitional stage leading up to menopause, according to recent reports.

The Dutch newspaper AD reported on the growing awareness of perimenopause and its wide-ranging effects on women’s health. The article highlights that these symptoms can be easily misattributed to other causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Perimenopause, the period before menopause, is now understood to potentially cause mental health challenges as well, including feelings of restlessness. The AD report notes that treatment with testosterone is not yet standard practice in the Netherlands.

Eva Luna Poorthuis, a coach specializing in hormonal health during perimenopause and menopause, has observed that overgangsklachten – Dutch for transition complaints – are frequently misdiagnosed, as reported by AD on January 20, 2026. This misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate or ineffective care.

A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from AD, published three hours ago, reiterated the link between perimenopause and symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. The post directed readers to the full article on the AD website.

The AD article emphasizes that perimenopause is a natural phase of life, offering an opportunity for women to learn more about their bodies and hormonal changes. But, the lack of standardized treatment options, such as testosterone therapy, remains a concern.