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.
80% to 90% of North American women experience hot flashes on a daily basis during menopause. The majority of these women will suffer from the dreaded sweats for about two years, but a small percentage will have to endure them for five years or more.