1. a state of misfortune or affliction. 2. something hard to endure. 3. something that causes or entails suffering. Familiarity information: HARDSHIP used as a noun is uncommon.
A single hot flash can last anywhere from one to five minutes and may occur a few times a week for some women or daily for others. When hot flashes are severe, they may strike four or five times an hour or 20 to 30 times a day, Omicioli says.
What Is a Hot Flash? A hot flash is a quick feeling of heat and sometimes a red, flushed face and sweating. The exact cause of hot flashes is not known, but they may be related to changes in circulation. Hot flashes happen when the blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate to cool, making you break out in a sweat. Some women have a rapid heart rate or chills. Hot flashes with sweating can also happen at night. These are called night sweats and may make it harder to sleep. A hot flush is a hot flash plus redness in the face and neck. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes? That depends. Some women have hot flashes for a very short time during menopause. Other women may have hot flashes for the rest of their lives.