Study: Hot flashes last an average of 7 years

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that hot flashes last an average of seven years, much longer than the six months to two years previously thought typical.

And for some women, frequent hot flashes and night sweats persist for 12 years or longer.

A common treatment is hormone therapy with low doses of estrogen, sometimes combined with progesterone.

Doctors also say avoid hot flash triggers like spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine.