Originally Posted by emily_in_nc
I would recommend changing to a longer stem (or flipping yours over if it's flat rather than angled up) so that your bars are the same height as - or no more than 1" below - your saddle. That seems to be the most common position for female road riders who don't race. Men can have a lower handlebar because they typically have longer arms. I can ride a road bike with bars equal to saddle height very comfortably but would have upper body problems if my bars were much below my saddle.
Your LBS can help you with the stem. Good luck!
Emily