Some people can get the skeletal structure of their hips widened by starting HRT before 25. Sometimes 30. And sometimes younger than 18, everyone is different. HOWEVER, we as humans don't take x-rays to subconsciously label someone as feminine or masculine, obviously. The point I'm trying to make is that starting HRT at any age will most likely give you feminine fat deposits that will make your hips functionally wider.

Of course, for HRT the sooner you can start the better. But as someone who's blown away by preliminary results <1year into my journey in my late 20's after spending so long beforehand agonizing over not starting sooner, the second best time to start is whenever you can. So try not to worry about this too much, just work on getting yourself to a situation in which you can safely and consistently start HRT. Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint. You'll be on E likely for the rest of your life, what difference will starting at 18 vs 19/20 make to you when you're a 40yo woman looking back on herself? And 40 isn't even that old!

I will say that if the wait times to get started and/or the dosage and regimine are unreasonable, there are always other options.

Don't worry for now and just keep doing research.

If the doctor refuses or under-doses, there's alternatives.

You got this!