Bile acids are cholesterol metabolites that have been extensively studied in 
recent decades. In addition to having ancestral roles in digestion and fat 
solubilization, bile acids have recently been described as signaling molecules 
involved in many physiological functions, such as glucose and energy 
metabolisms. These signaling pathways involve the activation of the nuclear 
receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXRα) or of the G protein-coupled receptor TGR5. 
In this review, we will focus on the emerging role of FXRα, suggesting important 
functions for the receptor in steroid metabolism. It has been described that 
FXRα is expressed in the adrenal glands and testes, where it seems to control 
steroid production. FXRα also participates in steroid catabolism in the liver 
and interferes with the steroid signaling pathways in target tissues via 
crosstalk with steroid receptors. In this review, we discuss the potential 
impacts of bile acid (BA), through its interactions with steroid metabolism, on 
glucose metabolism, sexual function, and prostate and breast cancers. Although 
several of the published reports rely on in vitro studies, they highlight the 
need to understand the interactions that may affect health. This effect is 
important because BA levels are increased in several pathophysiological 
conditions related to liver injuries. Additionally, BA receptors are targeted 
clinically using therapeutics to treat liver diseases, diabetes, and cancers.