Published on Apr 29, 2025 | 10:42 AM
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We’ve all been there—you’re cleaning out your bag or brushing your teeth before bed when it hits you: I forgot to take my medication. Whether it’s a daily blood pressure pill, your antidepressant, or birth control, missing a dose can trigger panic. Our licensed healthcare providers can reassure you: it happens more often than you think, and in most cases, it’s manageable.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve missed a dose—and how to prevent it from becoming a habit.
One of the most common mistakes people make is doubling up on their medication to “catch up.” This can sometimes do more harm than good.
Rule of thumb: If you remember within 2–4 hours, go ahead and take it. If it’s been longer, check the label—or better yet, contact your provider.
Not all medications are created equal. The consequences of missing a dose vary based on the type of drug, your condition, and how long you've been taking it.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
If you accidentally take a double dose or forget too many in a row, pay attention to how your body responds:
If anything feels off, don’t wait it out—reach out to your doctor or pharmacist. That’s what we’re here for.
Let’s be real—life is busy. Between work, errands, and family, it’s easy for a pill to slip your mind. But there are ways to make your routine more medication-friendly:
These small changes can save you a lot of stress—and help your meds do their job.
One missed dose? Usually not a big deal.
But if you’re missing doses often, feeling off, or not sure how to manage your meds, don’t tough it out. We’d much rather you call with questions than take chances with your health.
The Bottom Line
Missing a dose happens—and it’s not the end of the world. The key is knowing how to handle it, staying consistent when you can, and asking for help when you need it.
You’ve got this—and your provider has your back.
Bailey is a healthcare communications specialist at Call-On-Doc with over three years of experience helping patients access reliable, high-quality care. A Texas Tech University graduate with a BA in Electronic Media and Visual Communications and a minor in English, Bailey is passionate about patient education and creating clear, compassionate content that supports every step of the care journey.
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Low vitamin D is strongly linked to:
increased shedding
slower regrowth
weaker hair follicles
Many people don’t realize that winter hair loss can be a simple reflection of seasonal vitamin D deficiency.
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fewer fruits and vegetables
fewer protein-rich meals
more carb-heavy or comfort foods
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Even small nutritional shifts can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary but noticeable shedding phase.
Winter brings:
colds
flu
RSV
COVID
increased stress
poor sleep
Any illness or major stressor can trigger hair shedding 2–3 months later.
This means March hair loss might actually come from a December flu.
Winter also increases cortisol levels due to less sunlight and more indoor time, which contributes to hair cycle disruption.
Most people drink less water in winter.
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scalp health
oil production
hair shaft strength
follicle function
A dehydrated scalp can’t support healthy growth, and the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
Studies show humans shed slightly more hair in fall and winter — an evolutionary response to thicker summer growth and colder weather patterns.
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Winter is the season when home safety matters most. As temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors and rely on heaters, fireplaces, and appliances that can introduce hidden risks. Carbon monoxide levels rise, space heater accidents become more common, and even well-intentioned humidifier use can release irritants if not cleaned properly.
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Winter changes your environment in ways that quietly affect the hair growth cycle. Understanding what’s happening inside your body can help you prevent shedding — and support healthier, stronger hair.
Cold, dry air pulls moisture out of your skin and hair. Because the hair shaft loses hydration faster in low humidity, strands become:
brittle
frizzy
prone to breakage
more likely to split
This isn’t true “hair loss” from the root — but breakage can mimic shedding.
Indoor heating makes it worse by lowering humidity even more, leading to dry scalp and fragile strands.
A dry scalp can become:
itchy
flaky
inflamed
Inflammation disrupts hair follicles, pushing more strands into the telogen (shedding) phase of the cycle.
Conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis flare in winter, which accelerates shedding.
Vitamin D plays a direct role in hair growth. In winter, sunlight exposure drops drastically, and vitamin D levels fall.
Low vitamin D is strongly linked to:
increased shedding
slower regrowth
weaker hair follicles
Many people don’t realize that winter hair loss can be a simple reflection of seasonal vitamin D deficiency.
Cold weather shifts appetite and habits. People tend to eat:
fewer fruits and vegetables
fewer protein-rich meals
more carb-heavy or comfort foods
Hair is made of keratin — a protein — so inadequate protein quickly affects the growth cycle.
Even small nutritional shifts can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary but noticeable shedding phase.
Winter brings:
colds
flu
RSV
COVID
increased stress
poor sleep
Any illness or major stressor can trigger hair shedding 2–3 months later.
This means March hair loss might actually come from a December flu.
Winter also increases cortisol levels due to less sunlight and more indoor time, which contributes to hair cycle disruption.
Most people drink less water in winter.
But dehydration affects:
scalp health
oil production
hair shaft strength
follicle function
A dehydrated scalp can’t support healthy growth, and the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
Studies show humans shed slightly more hair in fall and winter — an evolutionary response to thicker summer growth and colder weather patterns.
Seasonal shedding is normal, but winter stressors can intensify it.
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