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.
Hormone therapy (HRT-estrogen plus progesterone or estrogen alone for women without a uterus) can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms, but it may not be recommended for women with a history of breast cancer or for those with heart disease.