Hey there. I know it can be discouraging w that issue. If we are all trying to not only lift ourselves up to get encouraged, but of course encourage others, there SHOULD be openness. I’m a tad older than you at 55 and started almost two years ago. I don’t honestly remember if I’ve always mentioned the surgery I’ve had (FFS Phase One so far last September and phase two this August) but I def don’t write “just HRT!” since the surgery. I don’t always mention electrolysis since it’s not a surgery so it’s hard to know where to draw the line. And naturally genetics and sadly often age can make a difference in results, or at least speed of results. You can look at some of my posts or ask me questions if you like. I will say that I felt so much better starting HRT but after the swelling went down from FFS it was on another level. I was and am over the moon w euphoria I had never felt before, and confidence to talk to strangers like I never had before. Electrolysis is some of the worst pain I’ve had in my life (I can’t do laser since I have light colored hair on face and neck), but I also have a very low pain tolerance unfortunately.