In reply to girlymonkey:
I had the same issue when I started with my road bike.
Like you, it was braking from the hoods that was an issue for me, not reaching from the drops. I looked at short-reach shifters, but they didn't make much difference. I am using 105 shifters.
I did change the position of the shifters on the bars, and also tilted the bars themselves to a slightly different angle . I also looked at changing the bars. Although the bars on my bike were women-specific, I did try some from other manufacturers that were also women-specific, and I did find that they felt different. In the event, I didn't find anything I liked better than what I already had, but you might find something if you look around.
The other thing I did was change the brake callipers from the cheap Tektro ones that came with the bike to 105. I didn't really expect this to make a difference, but actually it was quite noticeable and I don't feel like I have to pull on the levers so hard which makes it more comfortable. Lastly, I changed the brake pads for a softer compound, and also fiddled with the set-up so that the brakes bite at a position that is comfortable for me (obviously within the limits of what is effective).
Also, you don't say how long you have been using your bike. After the adjustments I made, it was better but not perfect - however over about a year it got better and now I don't notice a problem. I think my hands just got stronger and more used to braking from that position.
Edited to add: Contrary to advice from other, I removed the cross-top brakes from my bike - I found them really annoying! But - whatever works for you. If you don't have them and want to try them on the cheap, I'll send you my levers
Post edited at 11:31