Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about diabetes, thyroid disease, PCOS, children's growth and puberty, and endocrinology consultations.
Hyderabad, with weekly clinics in Shadnagar and Mahabubnagar
Appointments and clinics
How do I book an appointment?
Send a WhatsApp message or call +91 836 8886 836. Mention your name, the clinic location you prefer and your main concern, and the clinic will confirm a time.
Where does Dr. Santosha Mantha consult?
Dr. Santosha Mantha practises in Hyderabad, with weekly clinics in Shadnagar and Mahabubnagar. Clinic venues will be announced soon. Message on WhatsApp for current consultation details.
Does Dr. Santosha Mantha treat both adults and children?
Yes. Dr. Santosha Mantha treats adults as well as children and teenagers. Her DrNB superspecialty training in Endocrinology covered both adult and pediatric endocrinology, so she is fully trained to manage diabetes, thyroid, hormonal and metabolic disorders at every age, from growth and puberty concerns in children to diabetes, thyroid disease, PCOS and obesity in adults.
Which languages are consultations in?
Telugu, Hindi and English.
Endocrinology and consultations
What does an endocrinologist treat?
An endocrinologist diagnoses and manages disorders of hormones and metabolism. These include diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, PCOS, osteoporosis, calcium disorders, pituitary and adrenal disorders, growth and puberty disorders and other endocrine conditions.
When should I see an endocrinologist?
A consultation helps when diabetes or another hormonal problem is hard to control, when test results stay abnormal, or when symptoms suggest an endocrine disorder. Common examples are uncontrolled diabetes, abnormal thyroid tests, PCOS, unexplained weight change, abnormal calcium, osteoporosis, growth problems and early or delayed puberty.
Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist?
A referral is usually not needed for a private specialist consultation. If another doctor has referred you, bring the referral letter and your medical records.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Previous blood tests, scans, prescriptions, medical records and a list of current medicines. If you monitor your blood glucose, bring recent readings or your glucose meter.
Will every abnormal hormone test need treatment?
Not necessarily. Hormone results have to be read alongside symptoms, medicines, the timing of the test and other findings. An abnormal result does not automatically mean medication is needed.
Diabetes
When should I see a diabetes specialist?
When sugars stay high despite treatment, HbA1c remains above target, you have frequent low sugars or large swings, complications keep recurring, or the diagnosis or treatment plan is uncertain.
Is an endocrinologist only for complicated diabetes?
No. Endocrinologists manage diabetes at every stage. Specialist input is particularly helpful when treatment needs individualising or diabetes occurs with other hormone or metabolic problems.
Why do my blood sugars fluctuate so much?
Food, medicines, insulin doses, physical activity, illness, sleep, stress and changes in insulin sensitivity can all cause glucose fluctuations.
Are frequent low sugars a reason to see an endocrinologist?
Yes. Recurrent hypoglycaemia should be evaluated, especially if it is severe, unexpected or interferes with daily life.
Can an endocrinologist help if my HbA1c is high despite medicines?
Yes. A persistently high HbA1c calls for a review of the diagnosis, medicines, how they are being taken, glucose patterns, lifestyle factors and complications before treatment is adjusted.
What is the difference between an endocrinologist and a diabetologist?
An endocrinologist holds a recognised superspecialty degree (DM or DrNB in Endocrinology). This is earned after an MD, through three years of full-time, examined superspecialty training in complex diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and hormonal and metabolic disorders.
“Diabetologist” describes a doctor with a special interest in diabetes. Many physicians and family doctors with experience provide everyday diabetes care under this title, although it is not a separate specialist degree.
Thyroid
Does every abnormal TSH mean I have thyroid disease?
Not necessarily. TSH has to be read alongside thyroid hormone levels, symptoms, medicines, recent illness and the wider clinical picture.
Can thyroid problems cause weight gain?
An underactive thyroid can contribute to weight gain, but weight gain has many causes and should not automatically be blamed on the thyroid.
Do thyroid nodules always need surgery?
No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. Management depends on size, ultrasound features, the clinical context and, when appropriate, a needle test (FNAC).
Can thyroid disease occur during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy changes normal thyroid physiology, so thyroid tests need pregnancy-specific interpretation and careful management.
PCOS, weight and hormones
Is PCOS only a menstrual problem?
No. PCOS can involve irregular periods, excess androgens, insulin resistance, metabolic risk and other hormonal features.
Does PCOS always cause infertility?
No. PCOS does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Ovulation problems linked to PCOS can affect fertility in some women, and they can be assessed and treated.
Is difficulty losing weight always due to hormones?
No. Weight is influenced by many factors. Hormonal causes are one part of the evaluation.
Children and teenagers
When should a child be evaluated for short stature?
When a child is much shorter than expected for age and family heights, growth has slowed, height is falling across growth-chart lines, or there are other concerns about development or puberty.
What is considered early puberty?
Puberty that starts unusually early for the child's age may need assessment. The right evaluation depends on the child's age and the signs present.
When should delayed puberty be evaluated?
If puberty has not begun within the expected age range, or development seems significantly delayed, an endocrine assessment is appropriate.
Bone, calcium and other problems
Does every low vitamin D result need high-dose treatment?
No. Treatment depends on how low the level is, your clinical situation and other factors. Vitamin D results should be interpreted in context.
What can cause high calcium levels?
There are several causes. Hyperparathyroidism is an important endocrine cause, but any calcium abnormality needs proper evaluation.
Can recurrent kidney stones be related to a hormone problem?
Yes. Disorders of calcium and parathyroid hormone in particular can contribute to recurrent kidney stones.
Can osteoporosis occur in younger people?
Yes. Younger people can develop low bone density or osteoporosis because of certain medical conditions, medicines or hormonal disorders.
Still have questions about your condition?
For an individual medical concern, a specialist consultation is the appropriate way to assess your symptoms and reports.