Published on Apr 24, 2025 | 9:09 AM
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We’ve all done it. You feel an odd ache or notice a new rash, and your first instinct is to open Google. Within seconds, you’re scrolling through everything from seasonal allergies to life-threatening illnesses—and suddenly, your mild concern feels like a medical emergency.
This kind of “symptom searching” has become second nature for many of us, especially in the digital age. But if you’ve ever walked away from an online search feeling more anxious than informed, you’re not imagining it. Using the internet to self-diagnose can actually make health anxiety worse.
In this blog, we’ll break down why that happens, how to spot the signs of health anxiety, and how to look up symptoms in a healthier, more balanced way.
Health anxiety, sometimes called illness anxiety or hypochondria, is when a person becomes overly worried that they are or may become seriously ill—even when there’s little or no medical evidence to support that concern. It can show up as:
It's more common than you might think, especially among people who are already prone to anxiety or who have experienced a serious illness in the past.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to understand your body—but the internet often works against us. Here's why:
The internet can be a helpful tool—but only if you use it mindfully. Here are some tips for approaching your health concerns in a more balanced way:
Use trusted, evidence-based sources:
Stick with reputable medical websites like:
These sites provide medically-reviewed content written for the public—not sensationalized worst-case scenarios.
If a symptom is persistent, unusual, or interfering with your daily life, it’s worth getting it checked out. You don’t need to wait for it to “get worse” or “be serious enough.”
There’s no shame in wanting peace of mind. In fact, talking to a real healthcare provider—whether it’s online or in person—can often provide relief much faster than hours of scrolling can.
Bottom Line: Information Isn’t the Enemy—Anxiety Is
Googling symptoms isn’t inherently bad. The problem is when information overload fuels anxiety, rather than helping you take healthy action.
If you're someone who tends to spiral into worst-case thinking after a quick search, you're not alone. That doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. With the right tools and support, you can get the answers you need without falling into fear.
Remember: You’re doing your best to understand your health. That makes you empowered—not paranoid. And when you need real answers, evidence-based guidance, and calm support, talking to a provider is always a smart next step.
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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increased shedding
slower regrowth
weaker hair follicles
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fewer fruits and vegetables
fewer protein-rich meals
more carb-heavy or comfort foods
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Winter brings:
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RSV
COVID
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hair shaft strength
follicle function
A dehydrated scalp can’t support healthy growth, and the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage.
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If you’ve noticed extra shedding in the shower, on your pillow, or in your brush during the winter months, you’re not imagining it. Hair loss often increases in fall and winter, and the reasons have less to do with genetics and more to do with seasonal stress on the scalp, hormones, and overall health.
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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