I have a GIANT OCR1 WSD (Compact Frame) with the WSD shifters - and whole-heartedly believe it's the only thing that could work for me. (I am 5'6") I have longish legs (long femurs) but a shorter torso, and short arms. All of the Men's bikes (or even the non-compact framed bikes, gave me too much of a reach.
IMHO, the LBS should let you make the decision of what is best for you. Only you will know what feels right. Even the anatomical variancies of your..um...girly bits...can make a difference in your fit.
Just because a man and woman may be the same height and weight you can not assume that they will fit equally on the same equipment.