Newly diagnosed with a few questions

I have recently been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder. I have just a few questions that I hope can be answered "yes" or "no".
( I know you must get a lot of requests)
1. Can the birth control pill aggravate symptoms?
2. Can symptoms for women be aggravated during the monthly menstrual cycle? ( the "PMS" time especially)
3. Can Bi-polar illness begin in childhood?
4. Can over-the counter medications aggravate symptoms (i.e.cold medicines)
5. Can high sugar diet aggravate symptoms? ( Obviously not good for anyone :) )
6. Can things like caffiene and nicotine aggravate symptoms?

Thank you very much for your time!
Julie

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Julie,

The onset of bipolar disorder ranges from childhood (as early as age 5) to 50 years, or even older in rare cases, with a mean age of 30 years. I am not aware of any consistent data that suggest that bipolar disorder may be aggravated by birth control pills, menstrual cycles, over-the-counter medications, high sugar diet, caffeine, or nicotine.