hi Lisa, welcome to TE. I'm glad you healed up enough to ride a bike. You are right about how they are making women's bikes. There is much more of a variety than even a few years ago. Someone finally discovered
1/ women are not built like men
2/ women like to buy bikes that fit them!
I ride a road bike, have been riding road bikes for less than 5 years. my handlebars are just higher than my seat. My reach is comfortable. Go for it, get a good bike, get professionally fitted, and let's see you down the road!
Mimi