Clustering is an efficient techniques used to achieve the specific performance requirements of large scale wireless sensor networks. In this paper we have carried out the performance analysis of cluster-based wireless sensor networks for different communication patterns formed due to application constraints based upon LEACH protocol, which is among the most popular clustering protocols proposed for these types of networks. Simulation results based upon this protocol identify some important factors that induce unbalanced energy consumption among sensor nodes and hence affect the network lifetime. This highlights the need for an adaptive clustering protocol that can increase the network lifetime by further balancing the energy consumption among sensor nodes. Paper concludes with some recommendations for such protocol.