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Home > MA Providers > Reproductive Endocrinologists

Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG

(5 Ratings)

Specializes in: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Gynecology

University of Connecticut School of Medicine (1982)

Professional interests include: menopause, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more.

1049 Main Street Floor 2
Springfield, MA 01103

(413) 739-1100

Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG is an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and gynecology. He graduated from University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1982 and has 44 years of experience. Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG is affiliated with Baystate Health, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and Caring Health Center.

Office Locations

1049 Main Street Floor 2
Springfield, MA 01103

(413) 739-1100

(413) 735-1133

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281 Maple Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028

(413) 525-5160

(413) 525-5170

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766 N King Street
Northampton, MA 01060

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Some issues Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG can help you with:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.

The symptoms of PCOS include:

Weight gain
Acne
Facial or body hair
Thinning head hair
Missing or irregular periods
Infertility

PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment for PCOS may include:

Insulin sensitizers, which help the body use insulin more effectively, lowering hormone levels. The most commonly used insulin sensitizer is metformin.
Weight loss. Being overweight does not cause PCOS, and PCOS can make losing weight difficult. Still, weight loss can improve symptoms for many women.
Birth control pills to regulate menstruation and sometimes reduce symptoms such as acne.
Fertility medications, especially medications to stimulate ovulation such as clomiphene.
Anti-androgen medications, which work to treat symptoms such as acne and facial hair.
Low-carb diets, which work similarly to insulin sensitizers to lower hormone levels and help reduce weight.
Ovarian drilling or resectioning, surgical procedures sometimes performed if infertility is a persistent problem. These procedures open up the wall of the ovary to temporarily make ovulation more likely.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“It is an Italian invention in which a very specific wavelength of light - 250 nanometers - is addressed to the vagina and the stimulation by this particular wave of light causes new connective...”—"Area physician uses phototherapy to counter vaginal aging", Mass Live, March 2017

“As a reproductive endocrinologist and gynecologist based in East Longmeadow, Dr. Robert S. Howe sees patients with a variety of medical issues ranging from fertility concerns to hormonal disorders...”—"Area physician urges women to get diagnosis for reproductive health concerns", Mass Live, March 2017

“Dr. Robert Howe, a reproductive endocrinologist in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, says his medical practice showed him how computerized tomography could make precise 3D images of body parts.”—"High-tech 3D printing creates parts for antique musical instruments", CBS News, July 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2012 were lab tests, ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging and women's imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	61
breast exam	60
cytology	36
doctor visit	283
gynecologic pathology	36
gynecologic procedures	60
lab tests	166
pelvic imaging	141
preventive care	36
ultrasound (sonogram)	141
women's imaging	141

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2013 were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	50
breast exam	49
cytology	30
doctor visit	304
gynecologic pathology	30
gynecologic procedures	49
lab tests	84
pelvic imaging	126
preventive care	30
ultrasound (sonogram)	126
women's imaging	126

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	111
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	61
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	49

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2013

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	34
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	11
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	10
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	19
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2014 were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	31
breast exam	51
cytology	20
doctor visit	227
gynecologic pathology	20
gynecologic procedures	51
lab tests	59
pelvic imaging	103
preventive care	20
ultrasound (sonogram)	103
women's imaging	103

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	102
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	71
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	33

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2014

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	35
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	14
Dementia	0
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2015 were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	20
breast exam	26
doctor visit	208
gynecologic procedures	26
lab tests	26
pelvic imaging	50
ultrasound (sonogram)	50
women's imaging	50

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	188
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	130
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	64

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2015

Hypertension	43
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	10
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	12
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	16
Dementia	0
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2016 were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	37
breast exam	15
doctor visit	272
gynecologic procedures	15
lab tests	39
pelvic imaging	69
ultrasound (sonogram)	69
women's imaging	69

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	118
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	31

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2016

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	10
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	35
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	17
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2017 were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and breast exam.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

blood draw	24
breast exam	31
doctor visit	231
gynecologic procedures	31
lab tests	26
pelvic imaging	44
ultrasound (sonogram)	44
urologic procedures	24
women's imaging	44

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	114
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	65
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2017

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	31
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	12
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA during 2018 were lab tests, breast exam and gynecologic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

breast exam	13
doctor visit	93
gynecologic procedures	13
lab tests	28

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	76
Black	0
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	40
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	37

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2018

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	29
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	12
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	23
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	101

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Age**
From 65 to 74	35
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	25

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2019

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	31
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	40
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	103

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	88
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	38
From 75 to 84	33
85 and over	11
Less than 65	19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2020

Hypertension	36
High Cholesterol	27
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	14
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	55
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	209

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Gender**
Male	18
Female	96

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	38
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2021

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	12
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	61
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	20
Dementia	10
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	265

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Gender**
Male	19
Female	111

**Age**
From 65 to 74	64
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	17
Less than 65	15

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG in 2022

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	10
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	75
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated as an infertility specialist in Springfield, MA were ultrasound (sonogram), pelvic imaging, women's imaging and lab tests.

blood draw	37
breast exam	35
cytology	28
doctor visit	208
gynecologic pathology	28
gynecologic procedures	35
lab tests	61
pelvic imaging	88
preventive care	28
ultrasound (sonogram)	88
urologic procedures	24
women's imaging	88

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG.

**Gender**
Male	3
Female	18

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	72
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	1
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	9
85 and over	2
Less than 65	28
65 to 74	57

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG treated were hypertension, osteoperosis, high cholesterol and depression.

Hypertension	42
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	6
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	10
Asthma	11
Osteoporosis	34
Heart Failure	1
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	11
Atrial Fibrillation	1
Dementia	0
Cancer	5

Education & Training

Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG graduated from University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1982. He completed residency at Wilmington Hospital. He is certified by the Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in Massachusetts.

Medical School: University of Connecticut School of Medicine (1982)

Residency: Wilmington Hospital (1982)

Board Certification: Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Licensed In: Massachusetts

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Baystate Health

Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Caring Health Center

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG has a good overall rating with an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars based on 5 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG from all over the web to help you find the right in Springfield, MA.

3.4

Overall Rating

(5 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Robert S. Howe, MD, FACOG. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
AbbVie, Inc.	$344 Orilissa $177	Lupron $90	Synthroid $77
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.	$265 Brintellix $119	Kazano $66	Contrave $41	AMITIZA $24	Trintellix $14
Lilly USA, LLC	$245 FORTEO $150	$94
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$230 FARXIGA $122	BYDUREON $63	BYDUREON WEEKLY $33	$12
Shionogi Inc	$195 Osphena $195
Other	$746 TLANDO $124	INTRAROSA $115	Prolia $86	NEXPLANON $85	Diclegis $43	Other $293

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,834
Education	$190

Biography

Dr. Robert Howe is a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecology, and diagnostic radiology. Before performing his residency at Wilmington Hospital and Medical Center of Delaware, Newark, Dr. Howe attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. His areas of expertise include menopause, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). He has received a 3.5 out of 5 star rating by his patients. He is professionally affiliated with Baystate Medical Center (BMC) and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.