I also have had poor luck with estrogen. I'm age 28, but started in my early-mid 20s. No major decrease in body hair (hair shafts are a bit thinner), I did have great skin results, body shape changed only slightly, no fat redistribution but some minor gains on my thighs. Unimpressive breasts, maybe a B cup, but borderline. My face is still unpassable, though I am well on my way to FFS. My muscles shrank down, but it took years. My estrogen level is 158 pg/ml (506 pmol/L) and my testosterone level is 30. These are really good numbers for the average adult female.
Some times, we have poor luck -- or at least, that's how we define it. I think people expect far too much from HRT, seeing great results from other people. Those other people usually had great bone structure to begin with and/or had good luck with hair/breast genetics. They have also been on HRT for a long time, in many cases, where the body looks great -- it can take around 10 years before your bones soften a bit and muscles completely atrophy, though there are significant gains in the first few three or four years.
The consistently major change from HRT for people seems to be skin softness and complexion. Which, frankly, is probably the most important thing -- it's a huge, huge gender marker. Body shape and fat distribution can be helped a bit with exercise. Body hair can be removed. Breast implants are not terribly expensive, compared to most surgeries. Facial feminization surgery is an option if you have a way to save money.
I really do know your pain, but it helps tremendously to be open to the idea that more work comes after HRT. It does for the vast majority of trans women. It took me about four years before I really felt like HRT had put a dent in my body. It takes time, very, very frustrating time. I promise, you are not alone -- and it can get better with a bit of hard work. Please give it a bit more time and consider working towards extra solutions before you completely give up.
