Some companies market bikes that are "Women Specific". This usually means they have a shorter top tube and sometimes smaller bars. It could mean pink, too. Other than that, road frames can be used by anyone who can fit on them. Fit is the thing. If you aren't comfortable, you won't enjoy riding, no matter what some bike shop employee tells you. If you want the bars up high, you're going to have to find a way to get them up high.
Some of the women I know ride frames not marketed as "Women Specific", and some prefer the special women's models. You just have to try them and see. It might take a little time to figure out what you like.
Here's a link to some pics of some of the women I ride with.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=riding+ladies