What are hot flashes and how long will they last?

Although, the exact cause of hot flashes and night sweats are not fully understood, a specific area of the brain, the thermoregulatory zone is likely to blame. This is essentially the body’s thermostat.   The average duration for hot flashes is 7.4 years with some suffering upwards of 15 years. Many women will also experience symptoms during the peri-menopausal years, the 4-8 (approximate) years preceding menopause.  Many experience disruptive hot flashes and night sweats many years after their last menstrual period.