@ed how effective in what sense? Its hard to quantify

Its very good at alleviating dysphoria, but that is a long process, and doesn't stop dysphoria towards specific things per se.

Needless to say, its the start of a chapter in life where whatever struggles you face to make ends meet, and whatever struggle you face against our society will intensify and few women are left unscarred

But if you feel you know it is the right call -- that likely means its the right call